Francis William Bain (1863-1940) 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), 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.*
The Indian Stories of Francis W. Bain were published in the late 19th century and the early 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.
The first of these was A Digit of the Moon (1898), 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.*
The Indian Stories of Francis W. Bain were published in the late 19th century and the early 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.
Used availability for F W Bain's A Digit of the Moon and Other Love Stories from the Hindoo
See all available used copies of this book at: Abebooks UK or Abebooks US
Hardback Editions
July 2007 : Hardback
| Title: A Digit of the Moon and Other Love Stories from the Hindoo Author(s): ISBN: 0-548-12515-5 / 978-0-548-12515-1 (USA edition) Publisher: Kessinger Publishing Availability: Amazon Amazon UK Amazon CA More details... |
1966 : Hardback
| Title: A Digit of the Moon and Other Love Stories from the Hindoo Author(s): F. W Bain Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons Availability: Amazon More details... |
Paperback Editions
April 2009 : Paperback
| Title: A Digit of the Moon and Other Love Stories From the Hindoo Author(s): F. W. Bain Publisher: University of Michigan Library Availability: Amazon More details... |
July 2006 : Paperback
| Title: A Digit Of The Moon And Other Love Stories From The Hindoo Author(s): ISBN: 1-4286-3485-1 / 978-1-4286-3485-5 (USA edition) Publisher: Kessinger Publishing, LLC Availability: Amazon Amazon UK Amazon CA More details... |
Other Editions
January 2009 : Kindle edition
| Title: A Digit of the Moon, and Other Love Stories from the Hindoo Author(s): F. W. Bain Availability: Amazon More details... |
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