Author
Marmaduke William Pickthall
1875-1936
Marmaduke William Pickthall (1875-1936) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Marmaduke William Pickthall
Veiled Women
"Veiled Women" by Marmaduke William Pickthall is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Cairo, the story explores the lives of women in a Muslim household, focusing on the themes of love, cultural identity, and the intricacies of gender roles. The narrative is largely centered around Barakah, an English governess who becomes embroiled in the complexities of her new life as the bride of Yûsuf Bey, navigating her identity amidst a foreign culture. The opening of the novel introduces the vibrant environment of Cairo and presents the interactions among women in a wealthy household. The narrative begins with a free servant, Hind, who performs a ritual with a crow, seeking fortune and happiness among her companions. The scene evolves to reveal the dynamics of the household, including the fraught relationship between the domineering mother, Fitnah Khânum, and the English governess who becomes the object of her jealousy. As the Pasha, Muhammad Sâlih, begins to navigate the implications of marrying his son to a foreign woman, tensions arise within the household, hinting at the conflicts to come. The stage is set for Barakah's entry into a new life while confronting the cultural expectations and challenges she faces as her wedding approaches.
Saïd the fisherman
"Saïd the fisherman" by Marmaduke William Pickthall is a novel written in the early 20th century. It appears to be a picaresque tale set in the eastern Mediterranean, following a poor but ambitious fisherman whose superstition, pride, and quick wits drive him from his coastal town into a string of risky encounters. Through Saïd’s brushes with Ottoman soldiers, crafty villagers, a mendicant, and a Christian missionary’s household, the story weighs luck against fate and pokes at human folly with sly humor. Expect vivid local color, moral ambiguity, and an anti-hero propelled as much by vanity as by need. The opening of the novel shows Saïd losing the day’s earnings to galloping officers and then discovering his hidden savings stolen after his wife is lured out by a voice mimicking his friend Abdullah’s—who then “advises” him to flee and opportunistically claims Saïd’s home and gear. Saïd and his wife, Hasneh, set out; soldiers confiscate his donkey, he’s struck and humiliated, and on the road he learns from a beggar about a generous Frankish preacher, robs a camel-driver for ransom, and abandons the ailing Hasneh in a village, promising vaguely to send for her. Seeking the missionary’s help, he is chased off by a servant, sneaks back to steal a fine robe and fez, and escapes after the servant falls into a pit; dressed in his new finery, he bluffs his way into deference at a roadside khan. The section closes with Saïd basking in mistaken status as talk of soldiers and war stirs around him, setting the tone for a journey of gambles, imposture, and shifting fortune.
Oriental Encounters: Palestine and Syria, 1894-6
"Oriental Encounters: Palestine and Syria, 1894-6" by Marmaduke William Pickthall is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book recounts the author's travel experiences and observations while navigating the complexities of life in Palestine and Syria during that time. With a tone that blends adventure with cultural exploration, it offers insights into the people's customs, societal dynamics, and the author's personal growth amid the rich tapestry of Eastern life. The opening of the narrative introduces readers to Pickthall's early aspirations and experiences leading up to his travels. He recounts his initial disappointment at failing to join the Consular Service, which culminates in his mother's encouragement to travel to the East. Upon arriving in Cairo and then Jaffa, he struggles with his desire to connect with the local people versus the European community's expectations. As he sheds European norms and immerses himself in local culture, he encounters various characters, such as the sympathetic Mr. Hanauer and the humorous dragoman Suleymân, who help him navigate the customs of the region. Through these experiences, Pickthall reveals his longing for authentic connections and insights into the lives of the people he meets, setting the stage for further encounters and adventures in the chapters that follow.
The House of Islâm
"The House of Islâm" by Marmaduke William Pickthall is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the socio-political dynamics of the Ottoman Empire through the story of characters like Milhem Bey and Shems-ud-dīn, as they navigate issues of loyalty, honor, and religious identity within a diverse populace. At the start of the narrative, we meet Milhem Bey, who reflects on his newfound position of limited authority after years of servitude. As he embarks on a journey to oversee a settlement of Georgian and Circassian exiles in the Sultan's dominion, the complexities of his new role unfold. Meanwhile, the narrative introduces his brother, Shems-ud-dīn, a religious man deeply connected to his faith. Their relationship and contrasting aspirations set the stage for a deeper exploration of duty, familial bonds, and the moral challenges posed by governance in a land rich with diverse beliefs and traditions. The opening sets a tone of introspection and cultural examination, inviting readers into both personal and political realms.
The Valley of the Kings
"The Valley of the Kings" by Marmaduke William Pickthall is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in a culturally rich Middle Eastern backdrop, the story introduces Iskender, a young artist caught between conflicting cultural influences and expectations as he navigates his aspirations, familial pressures, and societal judgments. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the struggles of the individual against societal constraints. At the start of the narrative, we meet Iskender's mother, whose fierce loyalty and protective instincts highlight the familial dynamics that shape Iskender's life. As she grapples with the realities of prejudice and disappointment regarding Iskender's ambitions and their community's attitudes toward him, we gain insight into Iskender's character as he longs to pursue his painting despite being ostracized. The tension between his aspirations and external societal pressures sets the stage for a compelling exploration of cultural identity and personal longing, as Iskender seeks validation and success in a world that seems to conspire against him.