The Shaving of Shagpat; an Arabian entertainment — Volume 1

Name: The Shaving of Shagpat; an Arabian entertainment — Volume 1
Author: George Meredith

By George Meredith

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About This Book

The narrative follows a barber who, driven by hunger and curiosity, is led into a subterranean enchanted realm where he undertakes a magical shaving of a sleeping monarch and becomes enmeshed in a series of episodic adventures. Along the way he encounters genies, enchanted palaces, rival suitors, and imprisoned princesses whose release reshapes courts and loyalties. The prose blends ornate, lyrical description with satirical and moral reflection, weaving mythic motifs and comic social critique into a framed, episodic structure that explores fate, beauty, desire, and the hazards of curiosity.

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.