A Boswell of Baghdad; With Diversions

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20083

Title

A Boswell of Baghdad; With Diversions

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

E. V. Lucas offers a witty, humanizing look at Baghdad through the lens of Ibn Khallikan's 13th-century biographical dictionary. Blending historical scholarship with humorous anecdotes, the book captures the sardonic pleasantry and intellectual virtuosity of the city's literary life, presenting a vivid portrait of men of letters, poets, and the unique blend of autocracy and sophistication that defined the era.

Summary up to 500 words

In *A Boswell of Baghdad; With Diversions*, E. V. Lucas presents a rich tapestry of human experience, weaving together historical biography, cultural observation, and wartime reflection. The core of the work is an exploration of Ibn Khallikan's 13th-century biographical dictionary, a Persian scholar who spent his life in Baghdad, Cairo, and Damascus. Lucas argues that while history often celebrates great thinkers, the true essence of humanity is best captured by the 'gossips' and 'little recorders' like Ibn Khallikan. Through this lens, the book reveals a world where grave scholarship coexisted with baroque poetry and absolute autocracy, offering a sardonic yet affectionate portrait of life under the Crescent. Lucas details Ibn Khallikan's journey from his education in Arbela to his roles as a judge in Cairo and Damascus, highlighting the dictionary's unique value in recording both trivialities and excellence. Beyond the East, Lucas turns his attention to diverse cultural phenomena. He examines the transatlantic journey of the English ballad 'Pretty Polly Perkins,' noting how an American singer adapted the song for Boston audiences while preserving its Cockney soul. This leads to a tribute to the versatile Irish singer Harry Clifton, a man of genuine kindness who composed and sang dozens of songs, including the humorous 'Pretty Polly Perkins' and the moralizing 'A Motto for Every Man.' Lucas also investigates the 'unsettlers,' a secretive profession of acquiring country homes by spreading rumors to scare out current occupants. The tone shifts dramatically with the outbreak of World War I, as Lucas examines the impact of the conflict on French culture. He explains wartime neologisms like 'as' (the ace of diamonds), a term for anonymous heroes who performed great deeds without public recognition. The book culminates in a poignant reflection on sacrifice, featuring the story of a French soldier who dies in battle and finds welcome in Heaven, where military saints like St. Michael and Joan of Arc greet him. Through these varied subjects, Lucas celebrates the enduring charm of the past and the universal qualities of humor, resilience, and humanity found in both ancient Baghdad and modern France.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20083.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg20083.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-05 07:49 UTC

Categories

• Classics
• Biography