Remarks on the Arabian Nights Entertainments; in which the origin of Sindbad s voyages, and other oriental fictions, is particularly considered

Hole, Richard

Published by printed for T. Cadell, Junior, and W. Davies, successor to Mr. Cadell, in the Strand, London, 1797

First edition, 8vo, pp. iv, 258, [2]; last two-thirds unopened; original blue paper-covered boards, cream paper shelfback, manuscript title on spine; fine copy. Top right corner of recto on front endpaper: "Chris Coates of Helperby 8. May 1934." Richard Hole (1746-1803) was ordained in the Church of England and was later the Bishop of Exeter. "From an early age Hole wrote poetry and he continued writing during his studies. In 1789 he published his long poem Arthur, or the northern enchantment , in seven books. He was the first literary critic to dedicate a book-length essay to the Thousand and one nights to assess its merits. It was published in 1797 under the title Remarks on the Arabian nights entertainments; in which the origin of Sindbad s voyages and other Oriental fictions is particularly considered. "Hole begins with observing that the work is often depreciated as trivial and even obscene, but he subsequently argues that it deserves a place among the great pieces of literature in the world, such as Homer s Odyssey and Iliad, and the Vedas. To support this evaluation he especially discusses the cycle of Sindbad of the sea, to examine the motifs which resemble either similar motifs in Homer s work (the episode of the Cyclops), or observations recorded by ancient travellers and historians. This verisimilitude in Sindbad is used as an argument to state that the Thousand and one nights should be considered a genuine and serious literary work among the other classics " (University of Kent, Encounters with the Orient). Seller Inventory # 66765

Bibliographic Details

Title: Remarks on the Arabian Nights ...
Publisher: printed for T. Cadell, Junior, and W. Davies, successor to Mr. Cadell, in the Strand, London
Publication Date: 1797
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st Edition