|
The Caliph's House and In Arabian Nights
Tahir Shah
The Caliph's House: Paperback, 349 pages; 2007 (2008)
In Arabian Nights: Hardcover, 388 pages; 2008
 Members' Price (UC0952): $11.05
Members' Price (UB9442): $20.40
Growing up in England, Tahir Shah (and his family) spent vacations in Morocco, because the country reminded his father of his native Afghanistan. Years later, Shah's enchantment with the rugged landscape, beautiful architecture, and unique blend of cultures led him to move his own young family to Casablanca. There, he and his wife bought a rundown compound known as Dar Khalifa ("The Caliph's House"), and set out to make their dreams of a grand estate in the exotic city come true. Not surprisingly, things did not go very smoothly: the servants insisted the house was haunted; the neighborhood gangster coveted their land; and the workmen hired for the renovation were unpredictable at best. (Shah was advised, "the more insane the artist, the better he knows his craft."). The Caliph's House is an enthusiastic account of one modern family's attempt to create a home in an ancient land. And for an even deeper immersion into Moroccan culture and perspectives, you won't want to miss Shah's latest book. In Arabian Nights takes the reader on an enchanting insider's tour of the fascinating country—introducing delightfully unique characters from all walks of life, and sharing a magical treasury of traditional stories.
(KG)
|
