"Sung to Shahryar: Poems from the Book of the Thousand Nights & One Night" by E. Powys Mathers is a remarkable collection of poems that transports readers to the enchanting world of Shahryar and Scheherazade from the celebrated Arabian Nights. With his masterful translation, Mathers captures the essence of these ancient tales and presents them in captivating poetic form, making it an enjoyable read for poetry and literature enthusiasts alike.
The book delves into timeless themes of love, desire, betrayal, and power, skillfully explored through the use of lyrical verses. Mathers' evocative and rich language effectively immerses readers in the exotic landscapes of ancient Arabia. The rhythmic and melodic quality of his poetry adds to the enchantment of the reading experience, fully engaging readers in the mystical realm of Shahryar and his mesmerizing storyteller.
One of the standout features of the collection is Mathers' ability to breathe life into the vibrant characters of the original tales. Whether it's the clever and resourceful Scheherazade or the tyrannical Shahryar, each character is vividly depicted through the poet's skillful descriptions and powerful imagery. The emotions and motivations of these beloved figures are beautifully conveyed, adding depth and complexity to their narratives.
Available on Audible
In addition, Mathers' translation manages to capture the essence of the original stories while infusing them with a contemporary flair. His poetic interpretation brings a timeless quality to the tales, resonating with modern readers and celebrating the enduring power of storytelling. From beginning to end, the collection serves as a testament to the allure of these ancient and cherished tales.
Overall, "Sung to Shahryar: Poems from the Book of the Thousand Nights & One Night" is a beautifully crafted collection that takes readers on a captivating journey into the enchanting world of the Arabian Nights. E. Powys Mathers' skillful translation and poetic interpretation invigorate these timeless tales, making it a must-read for those who appreciate the magic of storytelling and the power of poetry.
What are readers saying?
"Sung to Shahryar: Poems from the Book of the Thousand Nights & One Night" by E. Powys Mathers has elicited a range of responses from readers. This collection of poems, inspired by the tales from "One Thousand and One Nights," has garnered both positive and negative feedback.
Many readers praised Mathers' ability to capture the essence and beauty of the original stories. They were enchanted by the rich imagery and rhythmic language that transported them to a magical world. Mathers' interpretation of Shahryar's story and the characters resonated with readers, who felt a deep connection to the emotions and experiences portrayed. The evocative and captivating language made the reading experience enjoyable.
However, there were some readers who expressed disappointment in Mathers' work. They felt that the poems lacked depth and failed to capture the complexity of the original tales. Some reviewers found the rhyming scheme and structure of the poems forced, which hindered the flow and impact of the stories. Understanding the context and meaning of the poems proved challenging for a few readers, who found them somewhat obscure.
Several readers emphasized the importance of being familiar with the original tales before delving into Mathers' book. They believed that prior knowledge of "One Thousand and One Nights" enhanced their appreciation of the poems and enabled them to grasp the underlying themes and messages more easily. However, there were some readers who found the book to be a standalone work that could be appreciated without any prior knowledge.
Overall, "Sung to Shahryar: Poems from the Book of the Thousand Nights & One Night" received a mix of positive and negative reviews. While some readers were captivated by Mathers' poetic retelling of the stories, others desired more depth and coherence. The book may appeal more to those already familiar with "One Thousand and One Nights" and seeking a fresh interpretation.
SungtoShahryar PoemsfromtheBook ThousandNightsOneNight