The shaving of shagpat.

The novel is a humorous oriental romance and allegory written in the style of the Arabian Nights. Like its model, it includes a number of stories within the story, along with poetic asides.

Shibli Bagarag, a Persian barber, and Noorna, an enchantress, are given the quest of shaving the tyrant Shagpat, who by the power of his magical hair holds his city in thrall. Along the way Shibli acquires a magic sword and meets a series of exotic creatures, including a talking hawk and several genies.

Contents include: The Thwackings – The Story of Bhanavar the Beautiful – The Betrothal – Punishment of Shahpesh, The Persian, on Khipil, The Builder – The Genie Karaz – The Well of Paravid – The Horse Garraveen – The Talking Hawk – Goorelka of Golb – The Lily of the Enchanted Sea – Story of Noorna Bin Noorka, The Genie Karaz, and the Princess of Oolb – The Wiles of Rabesqurat – The Palace of Aklis – The Sons of Aklis – The Sword of Aklis – Koorookh – The Veiled Figure – The Bosom of Noorna – The Revival – The Plot – The Dish of Pomegranate Grain – The Burning of the Identical – The Flashes of the Blade.