Product Description
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."*
*NY Times Book Review...Nov. 19, 1910
The Indian Stories of Francis William Bain 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.**
**Internet Sacred Text Archives
If you too have become a fan, be sure to look for his other books.
*NY Times Book Review...Nov. 19, 1910
The Indian Stories of Francis William Bain 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.**
**Internet Sacred Text Archives
If you too have become a fan, be sure to look for his other books.
