Arabian Nights

by Richard F. Burton (Translator)

Paper Book, 2009

Status

Available

Publication

Barnes & Noble (2009), Edition: First Edition, 744 pages

Description

HarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics. '"For," said he, "there never was nor is there one chaste woman upon the face of earth."' A collection of Persian, Arabian and Indian tales dating from the 9th century, Sir Richard Burton's most well-known translation of Arabian Nights brings together ancient folklore and stories passed down from generation to generation. Featuring tales about love, history, tragedy and comedy as well as fables and fairy tales, this edition remains a well-loved collection of exotic and evocative stories. Fantastical and curious customs are bought to life by Burton's translation in stories such as 'The Lovers of Bassorah', 'The Concubine of Al-Maamun' and 'The Hunchback's Tale'.… (more)

Genres

All Topics

Fiction

Collection

Fiction and Literature

Original publication date

1885

Language

English

ISBN

1435114884 / 9781435114883

Rating

½ (72 ratings; 3.7)

User reviews

LibraryThing member larasimmons2

I had picked up this book in hopes to round out my travel/journey text set, as well as the multicultural and international genre listings. The main theme of the book is to present traditional Arabic stories that have been passed through generations.

I had seen bits and pieces of these stories

around, but had not realized how violent or man friendly it was at times. However, I realize that this is part of the culture, and that most of traditional fairy-tales are more gruesome than what children are exposed to. Despite this, I found this to be an enjoyable version of the tales this book was. It incorporates brightly colored illustrations, ones I find typical of many Muslim mosques I have seen. The illustrations were also simple line drawings, which simplified the text.

I found the stories interesting. They posses a significant amount of new language and adventure. I feel that this book pushes readers to think about cultures, and the differences between their own.

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LibraryThing member Breton07

I think that the beauty of the language in these stories, along with their moral lessons, is rich with characters and adventures. Issues such as slavery, abuse, and greed are taught by bad example. Genies are present throughout the tales, as well as more adult themes. I wouldn't recommend the novel

to young children.

-Breton W Kaiser Taylo

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LibraryThing member wellreadcatlady

I had a hard time getting into this book at first but as I got more use to it I really started to enjoy it. Arabian Nights is short stories while a longer story is happening that is kinda forgotten after the beginning until brought back up again at the end. Some of the stories felt repetitive,

dealing with the same things, events, and places but it got better and more unique as I continued. The only story I truly disliked was the last short story, just didn't have a good flow and I had no idea what was going on. Would of liked some more build up on the main story going on between the King who was killing women until the one telling the stories came, that would of been interesting to do a chapter on them here and there between the different stories just to keep readers reminded rather than spill it all in the end.

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