Product Description

This book presents some of the best-loved stories in the world. Originating in Persia, India and Arabia, they were the daily entertainment of the common people. In this edition they are retold especially for children. This collection includes the voyages of "Sindbad the Sailor", "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" and the "Tale of the Hunchback".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #808105 in Books
• Published on: 1997-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

Eastern tales that have seized the Western mind!
The Tales from the Arabian Nights are ancient stories of romance, suspense, mystery, magic and adventure originating from Persia, India and Arabia, originally functioning as the daily entertainment of ordinary people. They are woven together under the premise that they saved the life of Shahrazad, a queen whose husband executed each of his new wives after one night of marriage. By beginning an exciting story every evening, but withholding the ending, Shahrazad was able to convince the breathless king to spare her for another day until the next installment. Of course, after 1001 nights of devious story-telling, she had saved her life forever.

First introduced to the Western world in the eighteenth century, these stories have attained great popularity, and been retold many times, with "Aladdin" even being made into a Disney film. This collection features only a small selection of the best and most popular tales. Unlike many editions, it doesn't reflect the contemporary versions of the stories, but seeks to be faithful to the authentic Arabic sources. N.J. Dawood is well-equipped to retell these stories from the original Arabic. Born in Baghdad, Dawood attained a reputation as a scholar and received a university education in London. Amongst other projects he has translated "The Koran" and a complete collection of "Tales from the Thousand and One Nights."

Because this version intends to be faithful to the original Arabic, readers should not expect a sanitized Western interpretation. If you are looking for a fresh style that brings these stories to life for children in a modern Western audience, this is likely not the edition for you. These stories are unashamedly Arabic in character, and the religious aspect (Islam) is dominant throughout, where health and wealth, wine and women are bestowed as the blessing of Allah for obedience. But despite this, these stories continue to capture the Western imagination. Expect to read stories about powerful genies (jinees), magical lamps, talking animals, distant voyages, and impossible adventures.

This volume (a companion to "Aladdin and Other Tales from The Arabian Nights") contains the well-known stories of the seven voyages of "Sinbad the Sailor", and "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves". Also represented are the lesser-known but equally fascinating "Tale of the Hunchback" and "The Barber of Baghdad". A great opportunity to read stories that have stood the test of time in another culture - these are classics, and make a good introduction to the original cultural flavour of "Tales from the Arabian Nights"!