It was derived from a medieval literary tale that takes one almost three years to read if read accordingly. A well known hypnotist is famed for the English translation, and it features a phrase that alludes to a magnificent yet disappointing banquet. What is the book, who was the translator, and what is the phrase connected to the meal?

lanfranco

I believe that we're talking about the "Thousand and One Nights," translated into English by Sir Richard Burton, of whose abilities in hypnosis I was unaware, but sure enough, some sites mention them. The word in question seems to be "barmecide," which refers to something that looks good but doesn't meet expectations: http://www.worldwidewords.org/weirdwords/ww-bar1.htm Jun 30 06, 8:41 AM

peasypod

I believe you are correct Miss Frankie, and I'm especially exhilerated that I chose the word hypnotist rather than explorer, aren't you? Jun 30 06, 4:21 PM

lanfranco

It was clever, but you gave this one away with the "almost three years to read" bit. That was a straightforward clue if I'd ever seen one, so the Burton part was also easy. "Barmecide," now, required some careful thought. Jun 30 06, 4:28 PM

peasypod

Yes, but I felt the rest needed to update on their mathematics skills. Now, the Barmakids ought worth a mention, too, I feel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barmakids Jun 30 06, 4:44 PM