The Arabian Nights: Medieval Fantasy and Modern Forgery
Lecture by Paul Cobb
Given at Penn Museum on June 1, 2016
The Arabian Nights is probably the medieval Arabic book best known in the west, full of ripping yarns and vivid characters that have influenced film, music, and literature for centuries. But did you know that some of its most cherished tales, such as those of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, Sindbad, and even Aladdin, were added by modern European translators? Dr. Cobb offers a walkthrough of the fascinating history of this rambling book from its origins in ancient Middle Eastern myths to its status as European bestseller during the Enlightenment.
Top Image: An episode from the 5th voyage of Sinbad the Sailor in the “One Thousand and One Nights”. Illustration from “Les Mille et une nuits”, par Galland – Paris, 1865
The Arabian Nights: Medieval Fantasy and Modern Forgery
Lecture by Paul Cobb
Given at Penn Museum on June 1, 2016
The Arabian Nights is probably the medieval Arabic book best known in the west, full of ripping yarns and vivid characters that have influenced film, music, and literature for centuries. But did you know that some of its most cherished tales, such as those of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, Sindbad, and even Aladdin, were added by modern European translators? Dr. Cobb offers a walkthrough of the fascinating history of this rambling book from its origins in ancient Middle Eastern myths to its status as European bestseller during the Enlightenment.
Top Image: An episode from the 5th voyage of Sinbad the Sailor in the “One Thousand and One Nights”. Illustration from “Les Mille et une nuits”, par Galland – Paris, 1865
Related Posts
Subscribe to Medievalverse