A cult classic that “combines the genres of travelogue, fable, dream narrative, novel and confessional into one beguiling whole” (Publishers Weekly). The hero and guiding force of this epic fantasy is an insomniac young man who, unable to sleep, guides the reader through the narrow streets of Cairo—a mysterious city full of deceit and trickery. He narrates a complex tangle of dreams and imaginings that describe an atmosphere constantly shifting between sumptuously learned experiences, erotic adventure, and dry humor. The result is a thought-provoking puzzle box of sex, philosophy, and theology, reminiscent of Italo Calvino and Umberto Eco. “Deft and lovely . . . The smooth steely grip of Irwin’s story-telling genius is a joy to read.” —The Washington Post “The Arabian Nightmare is a conceit worthy of Borges.” —The New York Times “[Irwin’s] fascination for inner perception, helped along with a delight in Scheherazadian frames and exotic lore, makes for quite a rich experience: a strangely playful construct that, like an intricate Chinese box, delights with each unexpected combination and hidden drawer.” —Kirkus Reviews

In a city of sultans, seductresses and apes, English pilgrim and spy Balian of Norwich is pursued through a maze of streets by the Father of Cats, Fatima the Deathly, Shikk the half-man and many others. A disease that seizes the mind, the Arabian Nightmare pervades the darkness of medieval Cairo. It haunts the labyrinth of its streets. It is a dream without awakening, a flight without escape, a tale without end. The Arabian Nightmare was first published in November 1983. It is now regarded as a masterpiece and one of the great works of twentieth century fiction.

Arabian Nightmare by Richard Arnot A true story of tragedy, betrayal and a fight for truth JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA, 20 MAY, 1979, FIRST LIGHT: A British nurse and Dutch tugboat captain are found dead, allegedly falling 23 metres to their deaths from a balcony. Saudi Arabian authorities arrest Richard Arnot, his wife Penny, and anyone who attended Dr Arnot's party the previous night. The suspects are arrested and imprisoned in a crowded, hot and dirty jail, fearing for their lives. After bearing the brunt of fabricated lies and rumours of innuendo, conspiracy and obsession, Richard finally tells the remarkable story of true events that happened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 1979...

Our foremost theorist of myth, fairytale, and folktale explores the magical realm of the imagination where carpets fly and genies grant prophetic wishes. Stranger Magic examines the profound impact of the Arabian Nights on the West, the progressive exoticization of magic, and the growing acceptance of myth and magic in contemporary experience.

Lydia Laube worked as a nurse in Saudi Arabia in a society that does not allow women to drive, vote, or speak to a man alone. Wearing head-to-toe coverings in stifling heat, and battling administrative apathy, Lydia Laube kept her sanity and got her passport back.