The Adventures of Khoja Baba from Isfagan
29.99 €
Out of stock
The Adventures of Khoja Baba from Isfagan
29.99 €
The novel "The Adventures of Hadji Baba of Isfahan" - the most famous work of the English diplomat and writer James Justin Morier (1780-1849). The novel's protagonist, slightly reminiscent of Hodja Nasreddin or Til Ulenspiegel, mercilessly ridicules human meanness, sanctimony and deceit. The text is brilliantly translated by the polyglot Osip Senkovsky, allowing you to fully enjoy the atmosphere of the Eastern world. The edition is decorated with drawings by the 19th century Scottish artist Harold Millar and the American painter Cyrus Baldridge.
The novel "The Travels of Hadji Baba of Isfahan" was first published in London in 1824. Instead of the author's name in the preface to the book was printed a letter from a pilgrim. In it, he told of a meeting in Turkey with the Persian Haji-Baba, who gave him his notes, and asked him to publish their translation in England. In the early 19th century, literary hoaxes were in vogue, and for quite a long time the public believed that the author of the "Travels" really was a certain Persian. It seemed incredible that a European could so subtly and with such humor to describe the realities of life in the East. Only later it turned out that the author of the novel was an Englishman James Justin Morier. He was born into the family of a diplomat: James's father was consul in Constantinople. The future writer first followed in his footsteps and became in 1809 the secretary of the ambassador to Persia. Having served as secretary of the embassy, Morier soon retired and took up literature. His satirical novel about the adventures of Hadji Baba so unflatteringly described the realities of life in Persia that caused "noble indignation" of the authorities of the country. This book was banned in Persia for a long time: it was mistaken for an original Persian work. However, representatives of the advanced Persian public thought perceived "The Adventures" with delight, because the protagonist of the novel reminded them a little of Khodzha Nasreddin. He mercilessly ridicules human meanness, sanctimony and deceit. Modern researchers of Morier's work believe that it was difficult for Morier to penetrate so deeply into all the secrets of Persian life and psychology without a local assistant. Iranian scientists have found out that the writer was acquainted with a young man named Hadji Baba, who had studied medicine in London for several years. He may have helped the retired diplomat to work on the manuscript of The Loves. However, that it is Morier who is the real author of the novel is not to be doubted. This is indicated by the literary brilliance and English humor, so typical of other works of this writer. The book is adorned with drawings by two artists. The Scotsman Harold Millar (1869-1942) was educated at the Birmingham School of Art. After moving to London, he began illustrating books, including works by Kipling and Stevenson. The American Cyrus Baldridge (1889-1977) began attending Frank Holm's Chicago School of Illustration at the age of 10. During World War I, he became a war correspondent and illustrator on the battlefields of Europe. Later, Baldridge traveled extensively throughout Asia and Africa, constantly making many sketches.
The novel "The Travels of Hadji Baba of Isfahan" was first published in London in 1824. Instead of the author's name in the preface to the book was printed a letter from a pilgrim. In it, he told of a meeting in Turkey with the Persian Haji-Baba, who gave him his notes, and asked him to publish their translation in England. In the early 19th century, literary hoaxes were in vogue, and for quite a long time the public believed that the author of the "Travels" really was a certain Persian. It seemed incredible that a European could so subtly and with such humor to describe the realities of life in the East. Only later it turned out that the author of the novel was an Englishman James Justin Morier. He was born into the family of a diplomat: James's father was consul in Constantinople. The future writer first followed in his footsteps and became in 1809 the secretary of the ambassador to Persia. Having served as secretary of the embassy, Morier soon retired and took up literature. His satirical novel about the adventures of Hadji Baba so unflatteringly described the realities of life in Persia that caused "noble indignation" of the authorities of the country. This book was banned in Persia for a long time: it was mistaken for an original Persian work. However, representatives of the advanced Persian public thought perceived "The Adventures" with delight, because the protagonist of the novel reminded them a little of Khodzha Nasreddin. He mercilessly ridicules human meanness, sanctimony and deceit. Modern researchers of Morier's work believe that it was difficult for Morier to penetrate so deeply into all the secrets of Persian life and psychology without a local assistant. Iranian scientists have found out that the writer was acquainted with a young man named Hadji Baba, who had studied medicine in London for several years. He may have helped the retired diplomat to work on the manuscript of The Loves. However, that it is Morier who is the real author of the novel is not to be doubted. This is indicated by the literary brilliance and English humor, so typical of other works of this writer. The book is adorned with drawings by two artists. The Scotsman Harold Millar (1869-1942) was educated at the Birmingham School of Art. After moving to London, he began illustrating books, including works by Kipling and Stevenson. The American Cyrus Baldridge (1889-1977) began attending Frank Holm's Chicago School of Illustration at the age of 10. During World War I, he became a war correspondent and illustrator on the battlefields of Europe. Later, Baldridge traveled extensively throughout Asia and Africa, constantly making many sketches.
See also:
- All books by the publisher
- All books by the author
- All books in the series Library of World Literature