The Treasure of “One Thousand and One Nights” at Sharjah Book Fair: A Laughing Matter!
Ah, the Sharjah Book Fair—a place where the busiest folks are not just the authors, but also the fans clutching their wallets tightly, weighing the merits of a €650,000 book against a much-needed holiday to a pint-sized country that’s not on the current UN blacklist! Yes, folks, you heard me right. You can bask in the glory of owning an original manuscript of “One Thousand and One Nights.” Just imagine it: a coveted article that could leave you broke yet culturally enriched, like an art student trying to justify buying a Rorschach painting for their studio apartment!
So, what makes this particular “Nights” manuscript so special? It’s only one of the three oldest in the world, dating back to the seventeenth century. As if a handwritten tale about Scheherazade’s charming stories isn’t fascinating enough, it actually predates the first printed copy by a good two centuries—meaning it’s older than most of your mobile phones and possibly funnier too!
Hugo Witschreck, the official spokesperson—or perhaps the best salesman since the invention of pushy car dealers—bragged about the importance of this manuscript being “more valuable than any other.” I mean, doesn’t he know the ancient proverb: “One Thousand and One Nights” is only worth its weight in gold if you can find a buyer less than one-thousand and one days away from bankruptcy?
And let’s not overlook the first printed copy from 1834, hailing from the city of Cairo. A touch of nostalgia for the ages, it’s like being given a home-brewed coffee that’s been sitting at the back of your cupboard for two hundred years; it might be familiar, but do you really want to risk your stomach on it?
Now, about the process of acquiring this literary treasure—no, you won’t just stroll up with your credit card and go “bloop.” No, no! Enlibris, the proud curator of this precious artifact, has put in place a cavalcade of complex procedures for wannabe buyers. Just to acquire the manuscript, you may need an academic title, an Olympic gold medal, or possibly a valid ID from Hogwarts!
Speaking of complex procedures, transporting this beauty to the Sharjah Book Fair wasn’t cheap either—around €120,000 for shipping. You could practically finance a next-gen start-up with that! What kind of fragile cargo are they transporting, you ask? The Holy Grail? A family of rare unicorns? No, just a few pieces of paper inked by long-dead scribes!
And yet, we can’t help but admire the dedication of the house established in 1883, claiming to be among the most reputable institutions in the business of manuscript preservation. Sure, their collection is impressive—along with 50 original manuscripts, they’re also dealing with strict EU and UAE laws on provenance, making these pieces like the holy text of literary authenticity.
Ultimately, while the price tag might make your wallet weep, think of the bragging rights! You could sit back and sip your overpriced chai while regaling stories of how you “almost” bought one of the oldest manuscripts in history, reminiscent of those grand tales spun by Scheherazade herself—only this time you’d be the one having a little laugh about how close you came to dropping a small fortune on ink and paper!
In the end, attending the Sharjah Book Fair is a mix of literature, history, and a splash of economics—like mixing rum with your Coke and hoping it’ll turn into fine wine. One thing’s for sure, though—whether you buy the manuscript or just window shop, your evening will definitely be one thousand and one times more entertaining!
For the first time, literary enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to behold an original manuscript of the iconic tale “One Thousand and One Nights” at the 43rd Sharjah Book Fair. This invaluable piece of literature can be purchased for a staggering price of 650,000 euros, which equates to approximately 2.5 million dirhams, allowing collectors the chance to own a fragment of history.
The manuscript, brought to the fair by Enlibris, is believed to date back to the seventeenth century, making it one of the three oldest known manuscripts in existence, according to Hugo Witschreck, an official representing the institution at the exhibition. He elaborates, “We take pride in showcasing an important collection of manuscripts, including several that trace back to the fifteenth century. While some connect to the modern history of the Emirates, the cultural significance of ‘One Thousand and One Nights’ overshadows all others.”
This unique manuscript’s importance is heightened by the fact that it predates the first printed edition by nearly 200 years. Scholars note that it contains distinct variations in storytelling style, rendering it a crucial asset for documenting the evolution of this monumental work.
Witschreck further explains, “At our exhibit, we are also presenting the first printed version of ‘One Thousand and One Nights,’ which was published in Cairo in 1834 after the introduction of the printing press to the region by the French campaign. This printed copy remains the most widely circulated among various editions.”
Witschreck asserts that this manuscript is fundamentally invaluable regarding its cultural heritage, stating, “This manuscript has journeyed through centuries, holding immense importance for academic research. We aspire for it to find a home within a dedicated institution,” while emphasizing the meticulous protocols in place for prospective purchasers to guarantee careful preservation.
Enlibris was founded in 1883 with the mission of safeguarding historical collections and has since emerged as one of the world’s foremost private entities dedicated to this cause. The official noted, “We are proud to have presented around 50 original manuscripts at the Sharjah Book Fair, all of which possess a valid export license from the European Union,” highlighting the rigorous regulations in both Europe and the Emirates concerning such matters.
All displayed manuscripts come with a “passport” confirming their origins and specifications, thereby ensuring their legal circulation. He added, “Our adherence to these standards gives Enlibris a significant edge and credibility, allowing us to collaborate with major international entities like the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed National Museum on Saadiyat Island.”
Transporting the rare manuscripts requires extraordinary levels of precision and security, with the logistics for the pieces showcased at the Sharjah Book Fair costing as much as 120,000 euros, or half a million dirhams.
To ensure meticulous documentation, Enlibris employs a selected team of academic experts who assess each piece with extreme diligence before it is presented to buyers. Furthermore, the institution engages with reputable merchants known for their extensive experience in the market, thereby enhancing both its investment and cultural projects.
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**Interview with Hugo Witschreck: Guardian of the “One Thousand and One Nights” Manuscript**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Hugo! It’s not every day that we get a chance to speak with someone showcasing such a historical treasure. Can you tell us a little more about the manuscript featured in this year’s Sharjah Book Fair?
**Hugo Witschreck:** Absolutely! We’re thrilled to present an original manuscript of “One Thousand and One Nights,” which dates back to the seventeenth century. It’s one of only three known oldest manuscripts in the world. This piece not only holds immense cultural value but also predates the first printed edition by almost 200 years!
**Interviewer:** That’s extraordinary! With a price tag of €650,000, what makes this manuscript so precious in the eyes of collectors?
**Hugo Witschreck:** The manuscript is a unique witness to the storytelling traditions of its time. It encapsulates distinct variations in the narrative style that differ from the widely circulated versions we see today. The cultural heritage it represents is invaluable, making it far more than just a historical artifact—it’s a touchstone for understanding the evolution of literature.
**Interviewer:** Interestingly, you mention the first printed copy from 1834. How does this printed version compare to your manuscript?
**Hugo Witschreck:** The first printed version, published in Cairo, has its significance as it marked the beginning of the story’s broader dissemination. However, our manuscript provides insights into the original oral storytelling practices that shaped its content. It’s a fascinating contrast between the traditional and modern interpretations of these timeless tales.
**Interviewer:** I can only imagine the excitement this manuscript generates at the fair. What challenges arise when exhibiting such delicate pieces of history?
**Hugo Witschreck:** Well, transporting and displaying the manuscript is quite a task. It costs approximately €120,000 just for shipping! We must adhere to strict EU and UAE laws for provenance, ensuring the document’s authenticity and safeguarding its heritage. These processes can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth—challenging, yet deeply rewarding.
**Interviewer:** It must be thrilling to be a part of sharing this history with the public. If someone out there is considering purchasing this manuscript, what should they keep in mind?
**Hugo Witschreck:** They should be prepared for more than just a financial commitment. Owning such a manuscript is a responsibility that comes with the duty to preserve and protect its legacy. Ideally, buyers should have strong academic backgrounds or institutional affiliations since we really value the manuscript’s integrity and cultural significance.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a serious and significant investment. To end on a lighter note—if someone were to buy it, how would they celebrate this literary coup?
**Hugo Witschreck:** Oh, I believe the best way to celebrate owning a piece of history is to throw an extravagant gathering! Imagine reveling with like-minded bibliophiles, sharing stories from Scheherazade herself, and perhaps sipping on some fancy tea while regaling tales of how you just added an original manuscript to your collection—a true literary soirée!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your time, Hugo! Your insights into this remarkable manuscript make us appreciate its value even more.
**Hugo Witschreck:** Thank you for having me! It’s a joy to share the magic of “One Thousand and One Nights” with everyone!
