Supplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 2 (of 6)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

59953

Title

Supplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 2 (of 6)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Richard F. Burton's *Supplemental Nights, Volume 2* offers a rich collection of enchanting fictions and anthropological notes. Featuring tales of the Caliph Harun al-Rashid, clever thieves, and romantic intrigues, this volume blends Arabian lore with European analogues. Burton's scholarly annotations and vivid storytelling create an immersive experience for lovers of classic fantasy and folklore.

Summary up to 500 words

In the second volume of Richard F. Burton's *Supplemental Nights*, the narrative centers on the reign of Sultan Bibars al-Bundukdari in Cairo, a ruler who delights in hearing tales of female prowess. To satisfy the Sultan's curiosity, the Chief of Police, 'Alam al-Din Sanjar, convenes his sixteen captains to recount their experiences. The volume opens with the history of Captain Mu'in al-Din, whose infatuation with a woman leads to a complex scheme involving stolen funds and a clever disguise. Through a series of witty exploits, the stories feature thieves, romantic adventures involving damsels like Sitt al-Milah, and cunning women who consistently outwit men. Burton intersperses these narratives with extensive notes comparing them to European and Asian versions, such as Plautus's *Miles Gloriosus* and various folktales. The volume also includes a section on the art of enlarging pearls and tales of kings and viziers. Through Burton's lens, these stories are not merely entertainment but windows into the cultural exchanges between East and West, enriched by his unique voice and deep knowledge of both Arabic and European traditions. The text is dedicated to Henry Irving and features a collection of tales ranging from the 'First Constable's History' to the 'Sixteenth Constable's History,' alongside standalone stories like 'The Tale of Harun al-Rashid and Abdullah bin Nafi' and 'Women's Wiles.' Burton's anthropological and explanatory notes provide context, linking the Arabian Nights to classical literature, Spanish novels, and Indian fictions, thereby highlighting the shared heritage of storytelling across civilizations.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Fairy Tales