Product Description
This volume was published in 1912.
Bubbles of the Foam is an enthralling story of an Oriental despot and the forest beauty whom he wooed only too successfully. The fiat of the gods, the futile striving of men; scenes of princely
luxury and of the cool, fragrant woodland ; the craft of counselors, the whims of kings, the imperiousness of destiny; love, hate, and revenge. These are all woven into a story of exceptional appeal.*
The Indian Stories of Francis William Bain (b. 1863, d. 1940) were published early in the 20th century. They purport to be translations of unidentified manuscripts. However, these books are not directly derived from Hindu texts or traditions. Bain was eventually unveiled as a writer of orientalist fantasies, but by that time he had a loyal readership who could care less. He continued to press on with the series until there were thirteen volumes. This is thus a harmless literary hoax on a par with Bilitis. Which is not to say that these books don't have their charm, particularly if you like early fantasy writers, such as William Morris or Lord Dunsany. Just don't use them as sources for information about Hindu mythology.**
To quote the New York Times Book Review, "the stories are not easy to describe, but it has been said of them that we have nothing in English literature at once so tender, so passionate, so melancholy and so wise."***
* G.P. Putnam's Sons
** Internet Sacred Text Archives
***NY Times Book Review, Nov. 19, 1910
Bubbles of the Foam is an enthralling story of an Oriental despot and the forest beauty whom he wooed only too successfully. The fiat of the gods, the futile striving of men; scenes of princely
luxury and of the cool, fragrant woodland ; the craft of counselors, the whims of kings, the imperiousness of destiny; love, hate, and revenge. These are all woven into a story of exceptional appeal.*
The Indian Stories of Francis William Bain (b. 1863, d. 1940) were published early in the 20th century. They purport to be translations of unidentified manuscripts. However, these books are not directly derived from Hindu texts or traditions. Bain was eventually unveiled as a writer of orientalist fantasies, but by that time he had a loyal readership who could care less. He continued to press on with the series until there were thirteen volumes. This is thus a harmless literary hoax on a par with Bilitis. Which is not to say that these books don't have their charm, particularly if you like early fantasy writers, such as William Morris or Lord Dunsany. Just don't use them as sources for information about Hindu mythology.**
To quote the New York Times Book Review, "the stories are not easy to describe, but it has been said of them that we have nothing in English literature at once so tender, so passionate, so melancholy and so wise."***
* G.P. Putnam's Sons
** Internet Sacred Text Archives
***NY Times Book Review, Nov. 19, 1910
