Stories From Arabian Nights
Jan 2024 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
135
Pages
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About this ebook
Excerpt: "Scheherazadè, the heroine of the Thousand and one Nights, ranks among the great story-tellers of the world much as does Penelope among the weavers. Procrastination was the basis of her art; for though the task she accomplished was splendid and memorable, it is rather in the quantity than the quality of her invention—in the long spun-out performance of what could have been done far more shortly—that she becomes a figure of dramatic interest. The idea which binds the stories together is greater and more romantic than the stories themselves; and though, both in the original and in translation, the diurnal interruption of their flow is more and more taken for granted, we are never quite [Pg vi]robbed of the sense that it is Scheherazadè who is speaking—Scheherazadè, loquacious and self-possessed, sitting up in bed at the renewed call of dawn to save her neck for the round of another day. Here is a figure of romance worth a dozen of the prolix stories to which it has been made sponsor; and often we may have followed the fortunes of some shoddy hero and heroine chiefly to determine at what possible point of interest the narrator could have left hanging that frail thread on which for another twenty-four hours her life was to depend."
About the author
Laurence Housman (1865-1959) was an English playwright, writer, and illustrator whose multifaceted career spanned several genres and social causes. Born into a family of artists, including his more famous brother A.E. Housman, Laurence carved his own distinct path in the literary and artistic world. He initially gained recognition as an illustrator, working on notable projects such as Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market."Housman's literary contributions are diverse, ranging from fairy tales and poetry to plays and political pamphlets. His works often explored themes of social justice, gender equality, and pacifism, reflecting his deep commitment to progressive causes. A staunch advocate for women's suffrage, Housman co-founded the Men's League for Women's Suffrage and used his writing to champion the cause.One of the most intriguing aspects of Housman's career was his involvement in the theatre. His plays, often imbued with a sense of moral questioning and social critique, were both celebrated and controversial. "Victoria Regina," a play about Queen Victoria, was initially banned for its portrayal of a living monarch but later became a significant success.Housman's influence extended to contemporary writers and thinkers, who admired his courage to tackle taboo subjects such as sexuality and religion. His open homosexuality, though discreetly handled in his lifetime, was a revolutionary stance that challenged the conservative norms of his era.Laurence Housman remains a figure of historical significance, not just for his literary achievements but for his unwavering dedication to social reform and his ability to blend art with activism. His legacy continues to inspire modern readers and writers who seek to understand the interplay between literature and social change.
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