Who is Scheherazade and what is the 1001 nights?
Well, I’ll provide you with the basics (when I get around to it). After that, you’ll have to go to the printed sources I mention. But, in the interim, here’s a brief summary and history, courtesy of Compton’s online encyclopedia! I don’t know how much kitsch and how much sumptuous evocation there was in the recent mini-series version that aired of the Arabian Nights. I kicked myself for having missed it (one of the liabilities of not having a guide to television listings within easy reach of the televsion). Prior to that, the only film version I had seen was the Pasolini one, which cuts out the Scheherazade level of the narrative completely–disappointing, to say the least, considering that she is my inspiration in a way. But, if any of you out there saw it and happen to stumble upon this page, let me know whether the mini-series was any good! Other links of relevance and whimsy: A list of the various translations kicking about. I generally agree with the assessments: the Haddawy trans
