1824 Rare Book - The Tales of the Genii or the Delightful Lessons of Horam, The Son of Asmar

(Description)

Author: Sir Charles Morell
Title: Tales of the Genii. Translated from the Persian by Sir Charles Morell. With Memoirs of the Author.
Publisher: London, Printed for C. & J. Rivington; & Cie., 1824.
Language: Text in English
Size: 5" X 3".
Pages: ix-480 pages.
Binding: Very good, near fine contemporary gilt full black morocco leather binding with intricate blind-stamped geometric patterns on covers. Spine with gilt decorations and title "Tales of the Genii" in gilt.  (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. All edges gilt
Content: Good content (tight, light foxing, staining, and toning throughout - as shown, small stamp of an old bookseller on the first endpaper - as shown).
Illustration: Complete with the illustrated frontispiece and engraved title page, both depicting Persian-themed scenes. 

Estimate:  (USD 200 - USD 250).

The book: Tales of the Genii is a collection of allegorical stories, purportedly translated from Persian manuscripts. These moral tales, rich with Eastern mysticism and adventure, were designed to educate and entertain the reader. This edition from 1824 includes a dedication to His Royal Highness George, Prince of Wales, and contains several tales such as "The Life of Horam" and "The Talisman of Oromanes." The stories are a blend of fantasy and moral instruction, reflecting 18th-century British fascination with Orientalism.

The author: Sir Charles Morell is a pseudonym for James Ridley (1736–1765), an English author and Anglican priest. Ridley used the pseudonym to lend an air of authenticity to his work, presenting the tales as genuine translations of ancient Persian texts, though they were original compositions.