Khaled, A Tale of Arabia

Khaled, A Tale of Arabia is a novel written by F. Marion Crawford and first published in 1891. Set in the mystical and romanticized world of ancient Arabia, the story blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance, drawing inspiration from Arabian Nights and Islamic folklore.

The novel follows Khaled, a powerful djinn (genie) who has been granted the opportunity to become human-but only if he can win the love of a mortal woman, Zehowah, the beautiful and intelligent princess of Riyadh.

Khaled, now in human form, must navigate the complexities of human emotions, courtly politics, and his own supernatural origins. Despite his valor and noble deeds, Zehowah remains indifferent to him, valuing wisdom and independence over forced affection. As Khaled struggles to earn her love, he faces external threats, including rival suitors and political intrigue.

Crawford's prose is rich with orientalist imagery, evoking the romanticized deserts, palaces, and swordfights of classic Arabian tales. While the novel reflects 19th-century Western fascination with the "exotic" East, it also presents a thoughtful, philosophical narrative about identity and love.

Khalid remains an interesting example of fantasy literature before the genre was fully defined, blending mythology, adventure, and psychological depth.

About the Author

Francis Marion Crawford (1854-1909) was a prolific American writer, best known for his numerous novels and classic weird and fantastical stories. Born in Italy, he spent much of his life abroad, particularly in Italy, which became the setting for many of his works.

Crawford was born in Bagni di Lucca, Italy, the only son of American sculptor Thomas Crawford. He received a diverse education, studying at St. Paul's School, Cambridge University, the University of Heidelberg, and the University of Rome. In 1879, he traveled to India, where he studied Sanskrit and edited the Allahabad Indian Herald. Upon returning to America, he continued his Sanskrit studies at Harvard and contributed to various periodicals.

His literary career took off with the publication of his first novel, Mr. Isaacs (1882), which quickly achieved success. This was followed by Doctor Claudius (1883). In 1883, he returned to Italy, where he resided permanently, eventually purchasing and remodeling the Villa Renzi, which became Villa Crawford, in Sant'Agnello. He also wrote historical works, including Ave Roma Immortalis (1898) and The Rulers of the South (1900).

Crawford was incredibly prolific, producing some forty novels and a play. At the height of his career, his books outsold those of any other contemporary fiction writer in England or the United States. He died in 1909 in Sorrento, Italy.