George Meredith's "The Shaving of Shagpat" is a fantastical tale inspired by Arabian folklore. Set in a mythical Arabian city, the story revolves around Shagpat, a barber, and his quest to shave the magical hair of Shagpat. As he embarks on this journey, he encounters various enchanting characters and faces numerous challenges. Meredith's rich prose and imaginative storytelling transport readers to a world of magic, mystery, and adventure, reminiscent of the tales from "One Thousand and One Nights.

Dickson identifies the nineteenth century as the beginning of the large-scale absorption of the Arabian Nights into British literature and culture.