The Bakhtyār Nāma: A Persian Romance

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

60316

Title

The Bakhtyār Nāma: A Persian Romance

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A rare reprint of a 19th-century Persian romance translated by Sir William Ouseley and edited by W. A. Clouston. This volume offers a substantial translation of the Bakhtyār Nāma, a tale belonging to the Sindibād cycle, enriched with extensive scholarly notes on Oriental customs, history, and literature. Ideal for readers interested in Eastern fiction, folklore, and the evolution of popular tales across cultures.

Summary up to 500 words

The Bakhtyār Nāma presents the story of Prince Bakhtyār, a figure from the Sindibād cycle of tales that has long been popular in the East but remains little known in England. Translated from a manuscript by Sir William Ouseley and edited by W. A. Clouston, the narrative follows the prince's adventures with a distinct focus on probable events and moral instruction rather than the magical extravagancies common in Oriental fictions. Unlike tales featuring enchanted groves or fairy palaces, this romance is grounded in reality, making it accessible to readers who prefer narratives free from supernatural elements. The text explores profound themes of patience, justice, and the consequences of tyranny, often drawing directly on Islamic teachings and historical contexts, such as the treatment of slaves and the significance of omens in Persian society. Clouston's editorial work is extensive, providing a detailed introduction and notes that explain allusions to Eastern manners, supply deficiencies in Ouseley's original translation by comparing other Persian texts, and offer variants found in different versions of the romance. The story emphasizes the virtue of patience, illustrated by the character of Abū Saber, who advises that patience brings relief from oppression. The narrative also addresses the harsh realities of governance, noting how legal punishment serves as the root of government, while mercy and wisdom act as its branches. Furthermore, the text offers insights into cultural practices, such as the education of boys in reading the Qur'ān and the high esteem in which penmanship was held. Through these well-wrought plots and grounded storytelling, the volume serves as both an entertaining read and a valuable contribution to the history of fiction, preserving a work that checks the impetuosity of monarchs and instructs on the dangers of tyranny.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Poetry
• Translations