The Shaving of Shagpat; an Arabian entertainment — Complete by George Meredith

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The Shaving of Shagpat; an Arabian entertainment — Complete by George Meredith

(3 User reviews) 698

By Nicholas Park Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - World History

Authors: Meredith, George, 1828-1909 Published By : Meredith, George, 1828-1909

Book Language: English

Okay, so imagine the wildest, most over-the-top fairy tale you've ever heard, but written by a Victorian novelist with a serious thing for elaborate sentences and a very dry sense of humor. That's 'The Shaving of Shagpat.' It's not your typical adventure. The whole plot hangs on one gloriously silly, impossible task: a young man named Shibli Bagarag has to shave the head of this tyrant, Shagpat, whose single, magical hair (the 'Identical') gives him immense power. The catch? Everyone who tries gets turned into something ridiculous, like a dog or a tree. It's a quest where the hero's main weapon is a barber's kit, and the stakes feel both world-ending and completely absurd. If you love stories that don't take themselves too seriously and are packed with genies, enchantments, and witty asides, this weird little book is a hidden gem. Just be ready for the prose—it's dense, rich, and sometimes you have to read a sentence twice to get the joke.

File: The Shaving of Shagpat; an Arabian entertainment — Complete by George Meredith

George Meredith's 'The Shaving of Shagpat' is a book that defies easy description. Published in 1856, it's his playful, satirical take on the 'Arabian Nights' tradition, and it's unlike anything else from the period.

The Story

The story follows Shibli Bagarag, a simple barber who learns he is destined for greatness. His mission? To shave the head of the mighty Shagpat, a man whose power comes from a single, enchanted hair called the 'Identical.' This isn't just a bad haircut—it's the only way to break Shagpat's hold over the city. Of course, it's impossible. Previous heroes have been transformed into animals and objects for even attempting it. Guided by his clever betrothed, Noorna bin Noorka, and aided by magical tools and dubious genies, Shibli embarks on a quest full of trials that are as much about wit and wordplay as they are about bravery. The plot zigs and zags through palaces and magical realms, but that core, hilarious goal—getting close enough with a razor—is always the prize.

Why You Should Read It

Don't go in expecting a straightforward adventure. The real joy here is Meredith's voice. He's winking at you the whole time. The writing is extravagantly ornate, piling metaphor upon metaphor, but it's often to mock the very epic traditions it's using. Shibli is a wonderfully reluctant hero, more prone to confusion than grand speeches. The book is less about the destination and more about savoring the bizarre journey and the clever, sometimes sarcastic, commentary that comes with it. It's a celebration of storytelling itself, packed with nested tales and eccentric characters that feel both ancient and freshly invented.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who love classic fantasy but want something off the beaten path. If you enjoy the language of Dickens or the satire of Thackeray, but wished they'd written about genies and magical barbers, you'll find a lot to love. It demands a bit of patience—the style is dense—but rewards you with wit and imagination. It's not for someone seeking a fast-paced plot, but it's a absolute treat for anyone who likes their fairy tales served with a side of intellectual mischief and a raised eyebrow.