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Vikram and the Vampire: Classic Hindu Tales of Adventure, Magic, and Romance cover

Vikram and the Vampire: Classic Hindu Tales of Adventure, Magic, and Romance

By Sir Richard Francis Burton
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AdventureMythology, Legends & Folklore

About This Book

A king vows to carry a corpse-animated spirit to a yogi, but the spirit insists on telling a chain of short folktales each time the king pauses; each story ends with a moral puzzle that forces the king to answer under penalty. The narrative frames twenty-five interlinked tales blending adventure, magic, romance, wit, and irony, exploring themes of deception, loyalty, asceticism, and human desire. Alongside supernatural incidents are vivid sketches of customs, devotees' practices, and moral ambiguity, inviting reflection on judgment, responsibility, and the slipperiness of apparent wisdom.

About the Author

Burton, Sir Richard Francis portrait

Sir Richard Francis Burton

Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890) was a British explorer, geographer, and linguist known for his adventurous spirit and extensive travels. He is particularly recognized for his explorations in Africa and the Middle East, including his notable work, "Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah," which details his journey to the holy cities of Islam. Burton was also an accomplished translator and contributed significantly to the understanding of various cultures through his writings, such as "The Book of the Sword" and "The Jew, The Gypsy and El Islam." His diverse interests and expertise in languages made him a prominent figure in the 19th-century exploration narrative.

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