The Adventures of Hajji Baba of Isfahan

You can familiarize yourself with the entire book in electronic format by following the link on the website of SZKEO. The gift illustrated edition is printed on domestic coated matte paper Omela with a bookmark of the same color as the headband.

The novel "The Adventures of Hajji Baba of Isfahan" is the most famous work of the English diplomat and writer James Justin Morrier (1780–1849). The main character of the novel, who slightly resembles Khoja Nasreddin or Til Eulenspiegel, mercilessly mocks human vile nature, hypocrisy, and deceitfulness. The text, in the brilliant translation of the polyglot Osip Senkovsky, allows readers to fully enjoy the atmosphere of the Eastern world. The edition is adorned with illustrations by the 19th-century Scottish artist Harold Millar and the American painter Cyrus Boldridge.

The novel "The Adventures of Hajji Baba of Isfahan" was first published in London in 1824. Instead of the author's name, a letter from a certain pilgrim was printed in the preface to the book. In it, he talked about meeting a Persian named Hajji Baba in Turkey, who entrusted him with his notes and asked him to publish their translation in England. In the early 19th century, literary mystifications were in fashion, and for quite some time the public believed that the author of "The Adventures" was indeed a certain Persian. It seemed incredible that a European could describe the realities of life in the East with such subtlety and humor. Only later did it become clear that the author of the novel was the Englishman James Justin Morrier. He was born into a diplomat's family: James's father was a consul in Constantinople. The future writer initially followed in his footsteps and became secretary to the ambassador in Persia in 1809. After reaching the position of secretary to the embassy, Morrier soon resigned and began to focus on literature. His satirical novel about the adventures of Hajji Baba described the realities of life in Persia so unflinchingly that it provoked "noble indignation" from the authorities of that country. This book was under a ban in Persia for a long time: it was taken for an original Persian work. However, representatives of progressive Persian thought greeted "The Adventures" with enthusiasm, as the main character of the novel somewhat resembled Khoja Nasreddin. He mercilessly mocks human vile nature, hypocrisy, and deceitfulness. Contemporary researchers of Morrier's work believe that it was difficult for him to penetrate so deeply into all the secrets of Persian life and psychology without a local assistant. Iranian scholars have discovered that the writer was familiar with a young man named Hajji Baba, who had studied medicine in London for several years. Perhaps he helped the retired diplomat work on the manuscript of "The Adventures." However, there is no doubt that Morrier is the true author of the novel. This is indicated by the literary brilliance and English humor that are characteristic of the other works of this writer.

The book is adorned with illustrations by two artists. Scotsman Harold Millar (1869-1942) was educated at the Birmingham School of Arts. After moving to London, he began illustrating books, including the works of Kipling and Stevenson. American Cyrus Boldridge (1889-1977) started attending the Chicago School of Illustration founded by Frank Holme at the age of 10. During World War I, he became a war correspondent and illustrator on the battlefields in Europe. Later, Boldridge traveled extensively in Asia and Africa, constantly making numerous sketches.