The Shaving of Shagpat; an Arabian entertainment — Complete

Name: The Shaving of Shagpat; an Arabian entertainment — Complete
Author: George Meredith

By George Meredith

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About This Book

The narrative follows a hungry young barber whose wanderings carry him from a busy city into a subterranean, enchanted realm where a sequence of fantastic adventures unfolds. He gains entry to a magic palace, shaves a sleeping sovereign, frees captive princesses and contends with genies, talking animals and other supernatural obstacles. The episodic structure alternates comic set pieces, romantic interludes and allegorical fables, each presenting puzzles, quests and transformations. Stylistically it parodies and embraces orientalist fairy-tale conventions while exploring motifs of desire, cleverness, fate and the power of small actions to reshape larger fortunes.

About the Author

George Meredith

George Meredith was an English novelist and poet, known for his innovative narrative techniques and exploration of complex themes such as love, society, and morality. His works often reflect the tensions of Victorian society, blending realism with elements of romance and comedy. Among his notable contributions to literature is "Beauchamp's Career," a multi-volume novel that delves into the life of a young man navigating the challenges of ambition and personal relationships. Meredith also wrote extensively in poetry, with collections like "A Reading of Life, with Other Poems" and "Ballads and Poems of Tragic Life," showcasing his lyrical prowess and philosophical insights.