Visions of the Jinn: Illustrators of the Arabian Nights
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Author Description
In this richly-illustrated book, illustrations of various Western editions of The Arabian Nights from the eighteenth to the twentieth century are presented and analysed. Visions of the Jinn is simultaneously a closely-focused study of a special case in the history of book illustration, an account of the evolution of an important strand of visual fantasy and a presentation of a hitherto neglected area of Orientalism. Some of the artists - Dulac, Dore, Brangwyn - are famous. Many others, such as Coster or Letchford, are almost totally unknown. In the course of the book, the discussion also reveals much about the visual discovery of the Near East in modern times. This volume will make an important contribution both to the history of book illustration and, more generally, to the history of the book.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the historical evolution and cultural significance of Western illustrations created for various editions of The Arabian Nights between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries. Robert Irwin, a noted scholar of Middle Eastern history and literature, utilizes a curated collection of visual archives to examine how these images shaped European perceptions of the Near East. By analyzing both renowned artists and obscure illustrators, the author constructs a framework that links the development of book illustration with the broader intellectual movement of Orientalism.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A comprehensive survey of Western artistic interpretations of The Arabian Nights from the 1700s to the 1900s.
- Comparative analysis of famous illustrators like Dulac and Dore alongside lesser-known figures such as Coster and Letchford.
- Examination of the visual tropes and stylistic shifts that defined the Western discovery of the Near East.
- A critical look at the intersection between literary fantasy and the history of book production.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for those interested in the visual history of Orientalism and the evolution of book illustration. Readers frequently note the scholarly depth of the analysis, which provides a clear window into how artistic choices influenced the public imagination regarding Eastern culture.
Page Count:
256
Publication Date:
2011-03-22
Publisher:
The Arcadian Library
ISBN-10:
0199590354
ISBN-13:
9780199590353
Illustration
Art History
Orientalism
Literary Criticism
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