The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 06 (of 10)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

3440

Title

The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 06 (of 10)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Richard F. Burton's translation of *The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night* presents a rich tapestry of Arabian folklore. Volume Six features the seven voyages of Sindbad the Seaman, the legendary City of Brass, and a collection of moral tales exploring themes of greed, justice, and human nature. With Burton's distinctive annotations and faithful adherence to the original text, this volume offers an immersive journey into the magical and perilous world of the Arabian Nights.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the backdrop of Caliph Harun al-Rashid's reign, Volume Six of *The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night* presents a rich tapestry of adventure, moral instruction, and supernatural wonder. The volume opens with the poignant encounter between Sindbad the Hammal, a weary porter, and his wealthy namesake, Sindbad the Seaman. The seaman recounts his seven perilous voyages, each a testament to the capricious nature of fate, filled with monsters, enchanted islands, and trials that test the limits of human endurance. Following these maritime exploits, the narrative shifts to the legendary City of Brass, a lost civilization from the time of Solomon. Here, a giant imprisoned within a copper vessel escapes, unleashing terror before vanishing into the ether. The volume then transitions into a collection of shorter, often humorous or cautionary tales. In 'The Craft and Malice of Woman,' clever wives outwit their husbands, while 'The Debauchee and the Three-Year-Old Child' illustrates how a toddler's innocent wisdom can reclaim a profligate father from the path of adultery. Similarly, 'The Stolen Purse' features a five-year-old boy who resolves a complex legal dispute regarding a lost purse through a clever trick, and 'The Fox and the Folk' demonstrates how a cunning animal escapes execution by exploiting the superstitions of the people. The volume culminates in the epic tale of 'Judar and His Brethren.' A father, fearing the jealousy of his two eldest sons toward his youngest, Judar, divides his wealth among them to prevent conflict. This division sets the sons on a journey of adventure and eventual reconciliation, highlighting themes of family dynamics and the dangers of favoritism. Throughout the text, Burton's detailed footnotes provide essential historical and linguistic context, enriching the reader's understanding of the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras depicted. The stories collectively explore profound themes of justice, the power of wit over brute force, the unpredictability of fortune, and the enduring bonds of family, all woven into a narrative style that balances the fantastical with the deeply human.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fairy Tales
• Arab Literature