ADVERTISEMENT
by Unknown · from The Arabian Nights, Volume I of IV
Adapted Version
Hello! My name is Mr. Thomas. I want to tell you about my new book. It is a very special book. It has many wonderful stories inside. I am happy to tell you about it. I hope you like it very much.
My book has very old stories. They are from a far-off land. Many people love these stories. They are very good and kind. I love them very much too.
I read these stories as a small boy. I liked them very much. I wanted to share them. I changed them to English words. I did this for fun. It was a happy game for me.
One day, Mr. Brown saw my words. He sells books in his shop. He said, 'You should make a whole book! Many people will like it!' I was very happy then.
I looked at my old words. I saw much work to do. I wanted my book to be good. I worked very hard on it. I wanted it to be perfect for you.
I asked Mr. Smirke to help me. He is a very good artist. He drew many pictures for my book. He said yes to me! I was very glad for his help. This made me happy.
Mr. Smirke drew lovely pictures. He made them like the stories. Each picture was just right. They show what happens in the tales. They are very pretty to see. They tell the story too.
Mr. Smirke helped print them. He made sure they looked good. He watched the work very closely. The pictures are beautiful to see. You will like them very much. They are very clear.
This book cost much money. Mr. Brown paid for it all. He wanted a very nice book. He spent much money for you. He wanted the best.
I hope you buy this book. I hope you love the stories. Mr. Brown will be very happy. We want you to like it. It is a gift for you to enjoy. We worked hard for you.
Original Story
ADVERTISEMENT
TO THE FIRST EDITION.
Whatever rank an author or a translator may hold in the republic of letters, he is seldom listened to with much satisfaction whenever he speaks of himself, however necessary it may be for his own character, or however it may tend to the elucidation of his labours. His motives, indeed, either for writing, or publishing any work, will not much engage the attention of the Public, to whom the work itself is the only thing of consequence. And in this respect, as the translator of a work, which has stood the test of time, I confess, that I feel myself under no great apprehension. But of its merits, I shall have occasion to speak more at large in the Preface.—I must, however, trespass for some little time, in giving such explanations as appear to me to be necessary; in bestowing on others the praise which they deserve; and in endeavouring to extenuate the severity of that criticism, to which I may myself be exposed.
Some years ago, not to mention that it was the delight of my childhood, I was much struck with the beauties of the Arabian Nights; and being in possession of Monsieur Galland’s French copy, entitled, “Les mille et une Nuits, Contes Arabes,” I sometimes amused myself, while residing at Oxford, with doing a story into English. Two years since, I accidentally mentioned this circumstance to my Bookseller, who requested me to finish and publish my translation. The consequence of this and various other conversations, is the following publication; the faults of which, both as to embellishments and translation, must rest with myself. When I came to examine what had been done, which I did not until the matter was finally arranged, I found much more to do than I expected. And if an English Public can have been so long pleased with a translation, (I do not here use my own words,) “loaded with inelegancies, frequently deficient in grammar, and not always without errors,” I trust they will be indulgent to me, who have tried to remedy these defects; though with what success it is not for me to determine.
There is, however, one circumstance upon which I may be allowed to congratulate the Public as well as myself. I fortunately prevailed upon Mr. Smirke, whom every person of correct taste will acknowledge to be second to none in this range of the art, to paint for me a series of pictures, illustrative of this work; and of his exertions and success I cannot speak too highly. He has conceived the different styles, that were necessary for the humorous, the graceful, and the wonderful, with the mind of a man who knew and felt the beauties of his subject; and has executed them with the hand of a master, who knows how to give the full effect to his own conceptions. Nor, indeed, is this all that I owe to his kindness; for he has taken the trouble, not only to point out the different engravers, whose talents he thought best suited to the different pictures, but even to attend to the progress of their labours; and with the happiest consequence: for, I trust, no single work will be able to boast of such a series of beautiful and chaste engravings, which do honor to, and are worthy of, those who undertook them: and I think that these plates may, almost without an exception, be considered as examples of their finest work. The consequence, however, of all this has been the expenditure of a large sum of money for my Publisher, who will, I hope, find, in an extended patronage, an ample reward for his liberal endeavours to gratify the highly cultivated taste of an enlightened Public.
London, 5th April, 1802.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
This text is an advertisement (preface) from a translator introducing his new English version of 'The Arabian Nights'. He explains that his childhood love for the tales led him to casually translate them, and his bookseller later encouraged him to publish a complete version. The translator details his efforts to improve upon previous translations and highlights his successful collaboration with artist Mr. Smirke, whose illustrations and the resulting engravings are praised as exceptional. The piece concludes with the translator expressing hope that the publisher's significant financial investment in this high-quality production will be rewarded by public patronage.
Themes
Emotional Arc
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Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This is an advertisement (preface) to a new translation of 'The Arabian Nights' published in London in 1802, reflecting the literary and publishing practices of the early 19th century. Monsieur Galland's French translation was a significant early European version of the tales.
Plot Beats (10)
- The translator begins by acknowledging that authors speaking of themselves are seldom well-received but deems it necessary for his work.
- He states his confidence in the enduring merit of the Arabian Nights, which he is translating.
- He explains that the Arabian Nights was a childhood delight and he occasionally translated stories from Monsieur Galland's French version while at Oxford.
- His bookseller encouraged him to finish and publish his translation, leading to the current publication.
- Upon examining his initial work, he found much more to do than expected, aiming to remedy the defects of previous English translations.
- He congratulates the public and himself on securing Mr. Smirke to paint a series of illustrative pictures.
- He praises Mr. Smirke's artistic conception and execution, noting his ability to capture the necessary styles.
- Mr. Smirke also helped select engravers and oversaw their work, resulting in a series of beautiful and chaste engravings.
- The translator acknowledges the large financial expenditure by his publisher due to this high-quality production.
- He expresses hope that the publisher will be amply rewarded by an extended public patronage for his efforts.
Characters
The Translator
A man of average height and build, likely in his late 30s or early 40s, with a studious and somewhat earnest demeanor. His features would suggest a life spent in academic pursuits, perhaps a slight stoop from reading.
Attire: Typical academic or gentleman's attire of early 19th century London: a dark wool frock coat, a crisp white linen shirt with a cravat, a waistcoat, and dark trousers. His clothing would be well-maintained but not ostentatious, reflecting his scholarly profession.
Wants: To produce a superior, more accurate, and more elegant English translation of the Arabian Nights, and to share its beauty with the English-speaking public.
Flaw: Perhaps overly concerned with criticism and the perception of his work, leading to extensive self-justification.
From a casual translator to a dedicated publisher and editor, overseeing a complex project involving artists and engravers, demonstrating growth in project management and artistic collaboration.
Diligent, meticulous, humble, appreciative of art, and somewhat self-deprecating. He is dedicated to his work and values quality.
Mr. Smirke
A man of refined appearance, likely in his 40s or 50s, with an artistic sensibility. His build might be slender or average, with an air of quiet confidence.
Attire: Elegant but practical artist's attire of the early 19th century: a well-tailored dark coat, a lighter waistcoat, a loosely tied cravat, and breeches or trousers. His clothing would be of good quality, reflecting his professional success.
Wants: To create beautiful and illustrative artwork that perfectly captures the spirit and diverse styles of the Arabian Nights, and to support the translator's vision.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but perhaps his dedication to perfection makes him highly sought after and busy.
Serves as a catalyst for the project's artistic success, demonstrating his consistent excellence and collaborative spirit.
Highly talented, discerning, dedicated, generous with his time, and a master of his craft. He possesses a deep understanding of artistic expression.
The Bookseller
A shrewd and practical man, likely in his 40s or 50s, with a solid build. His appearance would suggest a successful businessman of the period.
Attire: Respectable merchant's attire of early 19th century London: a dark, sturdy coat, a patterned waistcoat, a simple cravat, and dark trousers. His clothing would be practical and well-made, reflecting his prosperity.
Wants: To publish a successful and profitable edition of the Arabian Nights, recognizing the market demand and the translator's potential.
Flaw: His primary motivation is financial gain, though he is willing to invest heavily for quality.
Remains a consistent figure of support and financial backing, enabling the project's ambitious scope.
Enterprising, persuasive, business-minded, and willing to invest. He recognizes potential and is driven by the prospect of success.
Locations
Oxford Residence
A private study or room within a residence in Oxford, likely furnished in early 19th-century English style, where the translator spent leisure time working on the Arabian Nights translation.
Mood: Scholarly, quiet, focused, a place of personal amusement and intellectual pursuit.
The translator amused himself by translating stories from the Arabian Nights into English.
Bookseller's Shop (London)
A bustling early 19th-century London bookseller's establishment, likely with tall shelves, display tables, and a counter, where the translator discussed publishing his work.
Mood: Commercial, busy, intellectual, a hub for literary transactions and discussions.
The translator mentioned his work to his bookseller, leading to the decision to publish the translation.