A Syrup of the Bees

by F. W. Bain

Overview

Another magical tale from literary fraudster F.W. Bain, supposedly translated from an ancient Sanscrit text but most probably written by the author. The god Maheshwara and his consort Párwatí are flying over the desert when they see a mirage, which the Hindus call the "thirst of the antelope", and the skeleton of a camel. Maheshwara tells the story of how those bones came to be there; a sad story of love, the human mirageDuring Bain's life, argument raged about whether his stories were truly a translation from Sanskrit, as he claimed them to be, or whether Bain had written it himself. While some early reviewers took his statements at face value, many did not. A contemporary review said, in part: "Though palpably a pretence, they are graceful fancies, and might as well have appeared for what they really are instead of masquerading as "translations". No Hindu, unless of this generation and under foreign influence, ever conceived these stories. . . . Moreover, they are of a strict propriety, whereas original Hindu love stories would put Rabelais's ghost to the blush." The book contains numerous footnotes referring to Sanskrit puns and wordplay that the author claimed to have been unable to render in English. (Excerpt from Wikipedia)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783958649286
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	10/24/2017
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	285
File size:	451 KB

About the Author

F. W. Bain (1863-1940) was a British author and scholar whose work bridged the cultural chasm between the East and the West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in London, Bain was educated at Westminster School and later at Christ Church, Oxford, where he developed a profound interest in Sanskrit and Indian literature. His fascination with Indian culture led him to produce a series of translations and original works that purported to be translations of ancient Sanskrit texts, though they were later revealed to be his own creations.Bain's literary contributions are notable for their lyrical prose and deep engagement with Indian mythology and philosophy. His works often explored themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition, resonating with readers who were captivated by the exotic and mystical allure of the East. This fascination with the Orient was part of a broader trend in Western literature and culture during the period, reflecting a growing interest in and romanticization of Asian cultures.Despite the controversy surrounding the authenticity of his translations, Bain's work had a significant impact on contemporary writers and thinkers, contributing to the Western understanding and appreciation of Indian literature and philosophy. His imaginative storytelling and ability to weave intricate narratives drew comparisons to the likes of Rudyard Kipling and E. M. Forster, who also explored themes of cultural intersection.Bain's legacy is a testament to the enduring power of cross-cultural dialogue and the ways in which literature can serve as a bridge between disparate worlds. His work continues to intrigue modern readers, offering a window into the rich tapestry of Indian mythology and the complexities of cultural exchange.
Francis William Bain (29 April 1863 – 3 March 1940) was a British writer of fantasy stories that he claimed were translated from Sanskrit. The first of these was A Digit of the Moon (1898),[5] which Bain claimed was his translation of the eighth part of sixteen of a Sanskrit manuscript given to him by a brahmin. In the story, the king Súryakánta falls in love with the wise and beautiful princess Anangarágá, who will marry only the suitor who asks her a question she cannot answer. The king, with his clever friend Rasakósha, sets off to win the hand of the princess. During Bain's life, the argument raged about whether the story was truly a translation or whether Bain had written it himself. While some early reviewers took his statements at face value,[6] many did not. (Wikipedia)