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The Arabian Nights: Their Best-Known Tales
This work features ten stories from the 'Tales of a Thousand and One Nights' including the well-known ones of 'Aladdin and the Lamp', 'Ali Baba and the forty thieves', and 'Sinbad the Sailor'.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published September 30, 1993
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About the author
Kate Douglas Wiggin
395 books164 followersKate Douglas Smith Wiggin
Kate Douglas Wiggin, nee Smith (1856-1923) was an American children's author and educator. She was born in Philadelphia, and was of Welsh descent. She started the first free kindergarten in San Francisco in 1878 (the "Silver Street Free Kindergarten"). With her sister in the 1880s she also established a training school for kindergarten teachers. Her best known books are The Story of Pasty (1883), The Birds' Christmas Carol (1886), Polly Oliver's Problem (1893), A Cathedral Courtship (1893), The Village Watchtoer (1896), Marm Lisa (1897) and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1903).
Kate Douglas Wiggin, nee Smith (1856-1923) was an American children's author and educator. She was born in Philadelphia, and was of Welsh descent. She started the first free kindergarten in San Francisco in 1878 (the "Silver Street Free Kindergarten"). With her sister in the 1880s she also established a training school for kindergarten teachers. Her best known books are The Story of Pasty (1883), The Birds' Christmas Carol (1886), Polly Oliver's Problem (1893), A Cathedral Courtship (1893), The Village Watchtoer (1896), Marm Lisa (1897) and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1903).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
February 9, 2017
DNF - I read around 5 of the stories and have concluded that fairytales just aren't for me.
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge Notes:
- 30. A fairytale from a culture other than your own
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge Notes:
- 30. A fairytale from a culture other than your own
January 8, 2018
This was an well-written classic works of the Arabian nights translated for children. It was interesting and quite entertaining as we learned of the old customs, practices, beliefs, and superstitions of the Arab nations. These are of middle eastern origin and can be violent in nature at times. We had great time conversing on the topics brought about by these stories.
As a side note: I can see why Edmond Dantes (the Count of Monte Cristo) called himself Sinbad the Sailor after learning of his fantastic tales and all the wealth that fell in his lap.
As a side note: I can see why Edmond Dantes (the Count of Monte Cristo) called himself Sinbad the Sailor after learning of his fantastic tales and all the wealth that fell in his lap.
December 6, 2023
Just read a selection of the famous ones. Brilliant imaginative storytelling, but many many uncomfortable themes for the modern reader.
December 13, 2015
These stories are pretty interesting. I definitely like some of the stories better than others (Some of them can drag a bit) but they were interesting and featured a different culture. I really liked the different characters and the fact that the girls were just as smart and adventurous as the boys.
November 17, 2020
Its always fun to read a classic and realize how common references to it are and how until now they've gone over my head.
January 9, 2023
I remarked to a friend that this collection of stories should come with a trigger warning. She asked, quite justifiably, What part of “I’m keeping you as a sex slave, and I might kill you in the morning, so start talking, hussy!” is _not_ a big fat danger sign of problematic material?
Okay, fair point.
Not that it’s an excuse, but the main framing narrative (Scheherazade’s captivity, brilliance, and ultimate “redemption” by way of marrying her captor) is absent from this collection. That aside… wow there’s a lot of racism. A lot. Like Thomas Dixon-level racism. I suppose there’s at least one strong female character (The Talking Bird, The Singing Tree, and the Golden Water), but on the other hand there’s the psychopathic slave Morgiana in the best-known tale (Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves), who is personally responsible for murdering no fewer than 38 individuals. Along the way there’s some casual anti-Semitism thrown in just for spice.
So why the four stars? Because the strangeness, and sheer inventive genius, of the tales is unmatched, and a continuing source of inspiration for later authors and artists. It is (obviously) wonderful to reflect upon the feat accomplished by Chakraborty in her “City of Brass” series. And, in a sort of half-assed way, obviously a source for Dumas in “The Count of Monte Cristo”. But it less obviously, though no less wonderfully, has echoes in Lewis (The Magician’s Nephew, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader). So, all due kudos and credit to the however many unknown transmitters, collators, and editors for curating this wonderbox of stories.
Okay, fair point.
Not that it’s an excuse, but the main framing narrative (Scheherazade’s captivity, brilliance, and ultimate “redemption” by way of marrying her captor) is absent from this collection. That aside… wow there’s a lot of racism. A lot. Like Thomas Dixon-level racism. I suppose there’s at least one strong female character (The Talking Bird, The Singing Tree, and the Golden Water), but on the other hand there’s the psychopathic slave Morgiana in the best-known tale (Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves), who is personally responsible for murdering no fewer than 38 individuals. Along the way there’s some casual anti-Semitism thrown in just for spice.
So why the four stars? Because the strangeness, and sheer inventive genius, of the tales is unmatched, and a continuing source of inspiration for later authors and artists. It is (obviously) wonderful to reflect upon the feat accomplished by Chakraborty in her “City of Brass” series. And, in a sort of half-assed way, obviously a source for Dumas in “The Count of Monte Cristo”. But it less obviously, though no less wonderfully, has echoes in Lewis (The Magician’s Nephew, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader). So, all due kudos and credit to the however many unknown transmitters, collators, and editors for curating this wonderbox of stories.
March 25, 2017
I'm not sure why so many people think the tales in the Arabian Nights are fairy tales. Fairy tales are easily distinguished by otherworldly characters such as goblins, dragons, ahem, fairies, and always have a moral bent. While some of these stories do have a few witches and a genie, none of these tales are really moralistically driven, unless you sincerely believe a woman's silence and immobility while she's continually being raped is consent (I'm looking at you, Gulnare!). Instead, these are folktales. They were originally conceived to be told orally, therefore it makes sense to have a dramatic turn, humour and yes, a fair share of stupidity because it's meant to be entertaining while preserving history.
That said, this collection is not a good collection to read with young children and I found that many of the tales in of themselves were hit and misses. Without contextualising the history of this region to my students, many of them latched only onto the superficialities of the tales, e.g. princesses, snarky genie, my excellent witchy impressions, etc.
That said, this collection is not a good collection to read with young children and I found that many of the tales in of themselves were hit and misses. Without contextualising the history of this region to my students, many of them latched only onto the superficialities of the tales, e.g. princesses, snarky genie, my excellent witchy impressions, etc.
February 2, 2016
Tales of incredible strength and perseverance, faith in and love of God, travel, wealth and contentment; and who knows, maybe there's even a bit of truth and history. Eight named stories but be assured there are many more amazing accounts of some length on the various travels or situations by an individual. No story fails to hold one's interest and while I have several favorites each has been a joy to listen to.
Narrator Joanna Ward has a lovely voice and reads the stories without error. There was a moment when I thought I had read this before and maybe part of it I have, but I happy to have read it in full now. I hope you find as much enjoyment as I have with The Arabian Nights.
Narrator Joanna Ward has a lovely voice and reads the stories without error. There was a moment when I thought I had read this before and maybe part of it I have, but I happy to have read it in full now. I hope you find as much enjoyment as I have with The Arabian Nights.
December 31, 2024
Finally got around to reading this and loved it! It was great to read the original tales of the many stories that I grew up loving; such as Aladdin and Sinbad.
I have always been a Grimm fan and liked comparing the original stories to the modern day interpretations and found this to be the same.
All and all it is several great short stories about extraordinary circumstances and how clever one needs to be to get out of them alive.
I have always been a Grimm fan and liked comparing the original stories to the modern day interpretations and found this to be the same.
All and all it is several great short stories about extraordinary circumstances and how clever one needs to be to get out of them alive.
June 14, 2024
Fun. Fantastical. Fast-moving. Relaxing.
January 25, 2025
A collection of middle eastern folk tales, including the real story of Aladdin. It’s always interesting to see what gets passed down through the generations and what’s important to a culture.
January 6, 2024
I did not finish this book. I didn't even make it to half of it. I already had a bad feeling when I noticed that even back when this very old book came out, there was the gimmick of hiding page numbers by using roman numerals.
The book didn't start badly though, the first story of the three sisters, one marrying the persian emperor and the other two kidnapping her children and lying to the sultan has familiar elements. Albeit she can be happy that the grand vizers pleaded on her behalf that her misfortune is not a crime so the sultan should not punish her. Albeit why the guy finding the 3 babes doesn't inquire after the 3rd time is really odd. Naturally the princess has to save her dumb brothers. Especially the second one, seriously, one insult is enough for him to forget the dervish's warning and he is immediately turned to stone! Granted, I saw it coming. And no one before the princess had the idea to seal their ears with cotton so that they won't hear the voices. And my god are these two princes stupid. The emperor told them 2-3 times already to take their sister with them and they keep forgetting. And not going to lie, I skimmed through the rest of "The Talking Bird" because it just took too long and stories written like classical fairy tales should never be this long because they have too much going on one after the other, there is no room to breathe.
I hped the story with the rebellious genie would be much shorter. He was one of those who did not want to follow King Solomon and so was sealed in this container and tossed into ocean. When the fisherman has rightfully tricked the genie out of killing him, sent him to a lake with colorful fish and all, damn the story could have ended there, but it wasn't as long as the first one but way too long for this storytelling format. I was close to just skipping the others straight to Alladin, that was the only one that I was hear for anyway.
And the story about the young loyal king was just as long as the others! In fact, they are all this long!!! Good for me that I arrived at Aladdin relatively soon, that was the one I came for anyway. And at first it was interesting to read this version of the story. Here the bad guy is called the African magician and is a native of Africa. And he uses physiogomy to seek Aladdin out... and really odd how he claims to be the uncle. And since this story mentions things like sultan, mosques and khan, I figured that if this is "China" (as the story says) it must be Xinjiang. And yeah, before the "uncle" arrived, this Aladdin was a no good guy, no wonder his late father and mother were worried. And when I read this, I could see why some prefer to claim this is a European tale rather than from Arabia. The uncle is now stated to be a true African and the "country" referred to as one whose inhabitants delight most in magic of any in the whole world... and odd, this says that the lamp is in the midst of China... so that wouldn't be Xinjiang during these times after all, unless that is just a figure of speech.
And the genie of the ring is frightening to behold and refers to himself as a slave to the ring, which is common for genies. And the story even has a cunning and money greedy Jew. No wonder Disney changed all of that, including calling the princess Jasmin, that name... I don't even know how to pronounce that. According to wikipedia it was originally spelled Badr ul-Badour / Badr al-Badur (Arabic: بدر البدور Badr ul-Budūr, "full moon of full moons"), that would have been far too long. And the Aladdin story now has the same problem as the others, it goes on and on and with way too much time spend on things. I once had 2-3 pages of Aladdin trying to convince his mother to bring his proposal to the Sultan. And boy it was so bad, I really didn't need to know what every idiot is saying and doing and it went on an on. At this point I was just done with this book. These stories are way too long, way way to long. At least for this writing style! It must be written differently to give someone like me a moment to breath within the story.
December 24, 2018
This was a pleasant revisit of some of the stories I enjoyed when I was younger. A great deal of the "heroes" are thieves, murderers, and other such lost people, but I somehow found that this made these dated stories surprisingly humanizing for showing us the triumph of imperfect humans.
As a sidenote, I loved the opportunity to see the origins of some beloved Disney characters such as Aladdin and Kasim (you'd be surprised by their original stories).
Many of the tales ambled on, often due to the inclusion of overly descriptive or superfluous words and phrases, such as ending a description of magnitude "none of which compared to the grace of God" at least once per story. Totally not bothered by it, as it says a lot about the historical and cultural context of the book, and infers what may have been important to people at the time (marriage, God, fair & just rulership, family, and treasure). I also don't think I've heard the word "notwithstanding" so many times in one sitting.
As this is a collection of stories, I must say that some of them had me at the edge of my seat (The Talking Bird, the Singing Tree and the Golden Water), some were so foreign to me that I found them unstimulating (surprisingly Sinbad), and of course a few were so bland that I can't even recall their titles.
Overall, the aesthetic was really unique, the stories were intriguing, and the narrator's voice was very pleasant to listen to. I'm happier for having read it.
As a sidenote, I loved the opportunity to see the origins of some beloved Disney characters such as Aladdin and Kasim (you'd be surprised by their original stories).
Many of the tales ambled on, often due to the inclusion of overly descriptive or superfluous words and phrases, such as ending a description of magnitude "none of which compared to the grace of God" at least once per story. Totally not bothered by it, as it says a lot about the historical and cultural context of the book, and infers what may have been important to people at the time (marriage, God, fair & just rulership, family, and treasure). I also don't think I've heard the word "notwithstanding" so many times in one sitting.
As this is a collection of stories, I must say that some of them had me at the edge of my seat (The Talking Bird, the Singing Tree and the Golden Water), some were so foreign to me that I found them unstimulating (surprisingly Sinbad), and of course a few were so bland that I can't even recall their titles.
Overall, the aesthetic was really unique, the stories were intriguing, and the narrator's voice was very pleasant to listen to. I'm happier for having read it.
December 14, 2019
I enjoyed this collection, which is about ten stories from the Arabian Nights. I don't know how widely available this particular edition is, but it seems like a good collection. The Shaharazad framing story is dispensed with in this version. It contains several stories I had never heard of as well as the stories of Aladdin, Ali-Baba, and Sinbad the Sailor. I looked up and read some excerpts from Burton's translation of the Arabian Nights, and found that the language in this version is less antiquated than Burton's, but still difficult enough that I think many readers younger than about 15 probably will have a difficult time understanding some of the language . . . not just the words used, but sometimes unusual or archaic sentence structures. I looked up an read a bit of Burton's translation of the Arabian Nights from the 1880s, and this version is considerably easier to read than that.
My favorite story of the collection was that of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, though the real heroine of the story is the slave girl Morgiana. It was worth reading the book just to get this story. I also enjoyed reading Aladdin and seeing how it differs from the Disney Aladdin Movie that I have enjoyed throughout my life. The story of the talking bird, which I had never heard before, was good also.
My favorite story of the collection was that of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, though the real heroine of the story is the slave girl Morgiana. It was worth reading the book just to get this story. I also enjoyed reading Aladdin and seeing how it differs from the Disney Aladdin Movie that I have enjoyed throughout my life. The story of the talking bird, which I had never heard before, was good also.
June 23, 2019
Fairytales are fun, but these are so different from the Western ones. Where ours have been made to frighten and contain heavy loads of good and evil, these are more subtle. There is no real evil, most rulers are fair and wise (they might have a temper) and most people are very honest.
The story best known is that of Aladdin, or so I tought as I knew the Disney interpretation but the fairytale is very different from that. The character of Aladdin is not very likeable, as a good adolescent he is a pain in the donkey towards his parents (which he has) and he has unlimited wishes! Also there is no Jasmin but the princess Badroulbadour. Biggest difference is probably that the whole story takes place in China (making the broadway adapation from last year more realistic than expected as their Aladdin was of Azian decent).
The story best known is that of Aladdin, or so I tought as I knew the Disney interpretation but the fairytale is very different from that. The character of Aladdin is not very likeable, as a good adolescent he is a pain in the donkey towards his parents (which he has) and he has unlimited wishes! Also there is no Jasmin but the princess Badroulbadour. Biggest difference is probably that the whole story takes place in China (making the broadway adapation from last year more realistic than expected as their Aladdin was of Azian decent).
June 5, 2021
I am a fan of Fairy Tales especially Grimms and I purchased this book in order to read new stories that probably had the same vibe. I would say that they did and I enjoyed the stories. I probably would not read it again not because it was bad, but because it just wasn't good enough to read it more than once. Hence my rating of three stars, not bad, but not the best book I have ever read in my life. I must admit the old language was kind of annoying to me as I feel it was not really necessary to deliver the point or the plot of the story but I understand why it was written that way, it was an artistic interpretation of the formality presented among people of that time and I can respect that.
March 4, 2021
It is interesting that a lot of these tales were first written down at the same time as the Grimm's fairytales and you can see some of the same architypes and racial biases. Those similarities make the differences all the more glaring. The most notable being the emphasis on smart capable women rather than the obsession with beauty you see in the west. On a lighter note it is funny to see how much Disney white washed all these tales. It really makes me question all of those cartoons I grow up on.
September 21, 2021
This must be a really bad translation because Scheherazade would have been toast if these were the stories she told to her murderous king. These are wordy, dull tales that have neither morals nor suspense. Most are almost devoid of conflict and it reads more like the stories from the bible, straight out of the bible.
I did enjoy seeing the inspiration for Disney's Aladdin, which was a thousand times better than Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp. Disappointed in this particular edition of Arabian Nights.
I did enjoy seeing the inspiration for Disney's Aladdin, which was a thousand times better than Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp. Disappointed in this particular edition of Arabian Nights.
March 11, 2010
This book like a lot of fairy tales is full of really stupid people. Who would believe people who came to them and said their wife gave birth to a dog, a cat, and a log? Seriously how stupid can you be? Its also full of idiots who can't follow directions like, "Don't open the golden door."
I know that it wouldn't have a story if they weren't so stupid but sometimes I am just frustrated with the complete absurdity of it all.
I know that it wouldn't have a story if they weren't so stupid but sometimes I am just frustrated with the complete absurdity of it all.
January 19, 2018
Wonderful fairytales - all of us have been brought up with them. Disney's version of some of them are much more popular but far away from the source - you ll be surprised. I definitely suggest a read of the book in Adulthood , if you have a kid audience - the better. It is a great read also for people looking forwards learning English - it contains a great richness of vocabulary.
April 24, 2022
It's quite important to note that these tales are not supposed to be fairy tales to tell to kids, or to derive moral lessons from. They are the means of entertainment of their time, thus needing to be taken within the context, such the cliche of black man bad, white(r) man good. Overall, they are quite entertaining, and give a glimpse of how life was like back then.
September 15, 2022
Ive wondered what 1001 Arabian Nights was when I’ve heard it referenced in the past. Now I know. Although this book only has 10, I think it was a good introduction. Of course I had heard of a couple, Aladdin, Sinbad.. but I enjoyed the stories. Besides those 2, I think my other 2 favorites were Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves and The Talking Bird, the Singing Tree and the Golden Water.
January 2, 2015
I have to say I did not get all the way through this. I found the author's prose to be irritatingly stilted, particularly the dialogue. The stories however are magnificent, and I look forward to exploring them more in another edition.
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February 25, 2015I lucked out and have a first edition copy. The illustrations are beautiful!
April 3, 2017
A truly amazing compilation of wonderful Islamic stories! They give an insight into the glory days of the Islamic Caliphates, and the wondrous minds of Muslim storytellers.
May 10, 2022
Certainly NOT your Disney Fairy Tales. More to come...
May 16, 2023
"The Arabian Nights: Their Best-Known Tales" was prepared by both Kate Douglas Wiggin (of "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" fame) and her sister, Nora Archibald Smith, to be read to children. The authors' note at the beginning makes mention of the importance of being sure that children grow up knowing these famous tales.
Unsure of the intended age range, I think they would be appropriate for kids in upper elementary grades for sure, and younger if not sensitive to some violence and death. (See below for brief breakdowns of each tale.)
Interestingly, this version doesn't introduce or even reference Scheherazade, nor does it give any context or background to the place or reason these tales were told. It dives right in to the stories and reads like a book of fairy tales.
(Side note: for the background on Scheherazade, the king, and the 1001 Nights, see another book such as "Shadow Spinner" by Susan Fletcher [my preferred choice, ⭐⭐⭐⭐] or "Tales from the Arabian Nights" adapted by Donna Jo Napoli [⭐⭐⭐]; beware of mature content in the latter, though.)
*General note: many of the stories employ magic and/or genies.
Stories contained within this edition and notes on potentially problematic content (*possible spoiler alert for some tales*):
1. "The Talking Bird, the Singing Tree, and the Golden Water" |⭐⭐⭐⭐|
A long tale, this one illustrates both cruelty and kindness. It's strikingly similar at first to the Slavic tale of Tsar Saltan, Militrissa, and Guidon, as related in James Mayhew's "Koshka's Tales: Stories from Russia" [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]. Also has elements which make me think it influenced Jennie Bishop's picture book parable "The Squire and the Scroll" [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐].
**Note on content: babies are stolen from their mother and set adrift. An innocent wife is kept imprisoned for decades, to wound and humiliate her. Cruel sisters are put to death. A quest is pursued during which many people are turned to stone through disobedience. A man dies (natural death, not described).
2. "The Story of the Fisherman and the Genie" |⭐⭐⭐⭐| which includes
3. "The History of the Young King of the Black Isles" |⭐⭐⭐|
Another quite lengthy anecdote as a whole, these stories-within-stories switched protagonists throughout as the threads of story travelled on.
**Note: there are threats of murder, a cruel and adulterous enchantress, a person under a spell, a near-death comatose man kept alive indefinitely with magic, several people are executed, and there are whippings.
4. "The Story of Gulnare of the Sea" |⭐⭐⭐| (this one is a main feature in the aforementioned book titled "Shadow Spinner")
**Note: a girl is purchased as a slave and used as mistress to the king, bears his child, conjures up estranged family members using spells. She is loved by the king and is treated well as a favored wife.
5. "The Story of Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp" |⭐⭐⭐⭐|
Very, very lengthy! Also extremely unlike the Disney film versions (no surprise there).
**Note: some violence, someone is closed up underground and left to die, references to slaves both black and white. Shenanigans to disrupt a wedding night. Death threats. Execution by poison. Several men practice geomancy (a form of fortune-telling).
6. "The Story of Prince Agib" |⭐⭐⭐⭐|
A good king goes to sea and has varied adventures and tragic mishaps. This is much shorter than the previous tales. Pithy quotation: "'O young man, ask not respecting that which doth not concern thee; but be silent; for in silence is security from error.'"
**Note: shipwrecked sailors die (mentioned, not described). An accidental stabbing which is instantly fatal (not very graphic). A man's eye is violently struck out so that he is blinded, several other men had already suffered the same. Prophecy and destiny come into play.
7. "The Story of the City of Brass" |⭐⭐⭐|
A ruler commissions his viceroy and entourage to go on a quest to seek ancient receptacles which had been sealed by King Solomon to trap evil genies inside. Along the way, they encounter some unusual places and frightening creatures, such as a brass horseman with a head like lightning, an efreet (demon) trapped in a pillar, and an empty city full of wonders, impenetrable from without. Upon their eventual entry, they find its inhabitants dead of starvation, though the coffers be filled with gold and precious gems, and their storerooms stocked with armaments. Ironically, the tables are set with rich plate, crystal goblets, and the like, yet food they did not have--a picture of possessing great riches that are of no use.
**Note: the efreet entered into an idol and spoke. Some battle descriptions. Biblical characters (Solomon, Adam, Noah) are mentioned in conjunction with genies and other un/extra-biblical topics. Men jump to their deaths. A city is full of the emaciated dead lying everywhere, "whose skins had dried upon the bones." An embalmed corpse is encountered and is described as having had its eyes removed and replaced by quicksilver. A man attempts to rob the dead of its costly raiment and is beheaded. Genies are described as devils.
8. "The Story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" |⭐⭐⭐⭐|
Besides Aladdin, this is perhaps the most well-known of the stories. It's certainly one I remember from my childhood (probably due exclusively to the eponymous Disney book featuring Mickey Mouse as Ali Baba 😂).
"Open, Sesame," a cave full of stolen riches, chalk marks on doors, men hidden in jars--this is the stuff of legend and of which pop culture is (was?) replete.
**Note: contents somewhat grisly but not detailed graphically; a man is killed, quartered, hung up as a warning, and later sewn back together before burial. Several men are beheaded. Boiling oil kills many. There is a fatal stabbing.
9. "The History of Codadad and His Brothers" |⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐|
Elements of biblical Hagar/Ishmael, Joseph/jealous brothers, and the Good Samaritan as well as a resurrection and forgiveness theme. A man, estranged from his father the sultan before birth, returns to the city of his origin and, without disclosing his true identity, offers himself in service to his father. There follows his brave exploits and adventures. This is my favorite story in the book. 😍
**Note: features a cannibal, often called "the Black" and a "monster." A severing of an arm and a beheading. Accounts are given of men being eaten by the cannibal, a king being assassinated, a shipwreck resulting in many deaths, a man having been drowned by a pirate, and others killed through fighting. Murderous plots and a brutal stabbing. Mention of man lying in his own blood; it is later supposed he was subsequently devoured by wild beasts. Battle during which much blood was spilled, soldiers "cut in pieces." Preparations made for mass execution (*spoiler* but not carried out).
10. "The Story of Sinbad the Voyager" |⭐⭐⭐⭐|
Divided into a sort of preface, chapter accounts of seven voyages, and a conclusion, this is another well-known and much-retold tale. It begins with a poverty-stricken porter being invited to feast with a wealthy man and hear stories told, over seven nights, of his adventures.
--Voyage 1: Tells of Sinbad's initial shipwreck, his deliverance, and the makings of his first fortune.
--Voyage 2: Accidentally marooned, he finds himself stranded with a roc (bird of magnificent size) and its equally magnificent egg of legend. Relates his experiences in the Valley of Diamonds and eventual return home.
--Voyage 3: Driven by a storm to shelter near a dangerous island, the crew is attacked by the inhabitants and find themselves threatened by a giant cannibalistic Cyclops.
**Note: the monster skewers men alive, roasts and eats them. Men are drowned. A man is swallowed by a giant serpent and it is described that the crushing of his bones was audible; later, another meets the same fate. A man is tempted to commit suicide.
--Voyage 4: Shipwrecked yet again, the hero washes ashore an isle of cannibals. Later, after being rescued and dwelling in another country awhile, he is lowered into a deep pit to die.
**Note: His companions are summarily drugged, fattened up, and eaten. Comes to a country whose custom is burying living people alongside their deceased spouses. Mention of multiple wives. Robbery of burial riches off the dead. Lies told.
--Voyage 5: sailors find a roc's egg, meddle with it and kill the chick, thus inviting the wrath and retribution of the unhappy parents.
**Note: a hatching bird is described as being extricated from its shell in sections, roasted, and eaten. Mariners crushed by boulders and drowned. An old man is struck with a stone and killed by Sinbad.
--Voyage 6: Guess what? Another shipwreck. 😂 Acquisition of more wealth. Escape. Favor of a caliph and more gifts (eventual outcome of every voyage 🤔).
**Note: men die of starvation and are buried. Natives are called Negroes. A female slave is given as a gift.
--Voyage 7: Captured by corsairs and sold as a slave, Sinbad has some adventures and close scrapes with elephants, gains his freedom, and acquires more riches.
**Note: elephants are killed for their ivory.
You've reached the end at last of this insanely long review. 😅 Whew!
Unsure of the intended age range, I think they would be appropriate for kids in upper elementary grades for sure, and younger if not sensitive to some violence and death. (See below for brief breakdowns of each tale.)
Interestingly, this version doesn't introduce or even reference Scheherazade, nor does it give any context or background to the place or reason these tales were told. It dives right in to the stories and reads like a book of fairy tales.
(Side note: for the background on Scheherazade, the king, and the 1001 Nights, see another book such as "Shadow Spinner" by Susan Fletcher [my preferred choice, ⭐⭐⭐⭐] or "Tales from the Arabian Nights" adapted by Donna Jo Napoli [⭐⭐⭐]; beware of mature content in the latter, though.)
*General note: many of the stories employ magic and/or genies.
Stories contained within this edition and notes on potentially problematic content (*possible spoiler alert for some tales*):
1. "The Talking Bird, the Singing Tree, and the Golden Water" |⭐⭐⭐⭐|
A long tale, this one illustrates both cruelty and kindness. It's strikingly similar at first to the Slavic tale of Tsar Saltan, Militrissa, and Guidon, as related in James Mayhew's "Koshka's Tales: Stories from Russia" [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐]. Also has elements which make me think it influenced Jennie Bishop's picture book parable "The Squire and the Scroll" [⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐].
**Note on content: babies are stolen from their mother and set adrift. An innocent wife is kept imprisoned for decades, to wound and humiliate her. Cruel sisters are put to death. A quest is pursued during which many people are turned to stone through disobedience. A man dies (natural death, not described).
2. "The Story of the Fisherman and the Genie" |⭐⭐⭐⭐| which includes
3. "The History of the Young King of the Black Isles" |⭐⭐⭐|
Another quite lengthy anecdote as a whole, these stories-within-stories switched protagonists throughout as the threads of story travelled on.
**Note: there are threats of murder, a cruel and adulterous enchantress, a person under a spell, a near-death comatose man kept alive indefinitely with magic, several people are executed, and there are whippings.
4. "The Story of Gulnare of the Sea" |⭐⭐⭐| (this one is a main feature in the aforementioned book titled "Shadow Spinner")
**Note: a girl is purchased as a slave and used as mistress to the king, bears his child, conjures up estranged family members using spells. She is loved by the king and is treated well as a favored wife.
5. "The Story of Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp" |⭐⭐⭐⭐|
Very, very lengthy! Also extremely unlike the Disney film versions (no surprise there).
**Note: some violence, someone is closed up underground and left to die, references to slaves both black and white. Shenanigans to disrupt a wedding night. Death threats. Execution by poison. Several men practice geomancy (a form of fortune-telling).
6. "The Story of Prince Agib" |⭐⭐⭐⭐|
A good king goes to sea and has varied adventures and tragic mishaps. This is much shorter than the previous tales. Pithy quotation: "'O young man, ask not respecting that which doth not concern thee; but be silent; for in silence is security from error.'"
**Note: shipwrecked sailors die (mentioned, not described). An accidental stabbing which is instantly fatal (not very graphic). A man's eye is violently struck out so that he is blinded, several other men had already suffered the same. Prophecy and destiny come into play.
7. "The Story of the City of Brass" |⭐⭐⭐|
A ruler commissions his viceroy and entourage to go on a quest to seek ancient receptacles which had been sealed by King Solomon to trap evil genies inside. Along the way, they encounter some unusual places and frightening creatures, such as a brass horseman with a head like lightning, an efreet (demon) trapped in a pillar, and an empty city full of wonders, impenetrable from without. Upon their eventual entry, they find its inhabitants dead of starvation, though the coffers be filled with gold and precious gems, and their storerooms stocked with armaments. Ironically, the tables are set with rich plate, crystal goblets, and the like, yet food they did not have--a picture of possessing great riches that are of no use.
**Note: the efreet entered into an idol and spoke. Some battle descriptions. Biblical characters (Solomon, Adam, Noah) are mentioned in conjunction with genies and other un/extra-biblical topics. Men jump to their deaths. A city is full of the emaciated dead lying everywhere, "whose skins had dried upon the bones." An embalmed corpse is encountered and is described as having had its eyes removed and replaced by quicksilver. A man attempts to rob the dead of its costly raiment and is beheaded. Genies are described as devils.
8. "The Story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" |⭐⭐⭐⭐|
Besides Aladdin, this is perhaps the most well-known of the stories. It's certainly one I remember from my childhood (probably due exclusively to the eponymous Disney book featuring Mickey Mouse as Ali Baba 😂).
"Open, Sesame," a cave full of stolen riches, chalk marks on doors, men hidden in jars--this is the stuff of legend and of which pop culture is (was?) replete.
**Note: contents somewhat grisly but not detailed graphically; a man is killed, quartered, hung up as a warning, and later sewn back together before burial. Several men are beheaded. Boiling oil kills many. There is a fatal stabbing.
9. "The History of Codadad and His Brothers" |⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐|
Elements of biblical Hagar/Ishmael, Joseph/jealous brothers, and the Good Samaritan as well as a resurrection and forgiveness theme. A man, estranged from his father the sultan before birth, returns to the city of his origin and, without disclosing his true identity, offers himself in service to his father. There follows his brave exploits and adventures. This is my favorite story in the book. 😍
**Note: features a cannibal, often called "the Black" and a "monster." A severing of an arm and a beheading. Accounts are given of men being eaten by the cannibal, a king being assassinated, a shipwreck resulting in many deaths, a man having been drowned by a pirate, and others killed through fighting. Murderous plots and a brutal stabbing. Mention of man lying in his own blood; it is later supposed he was subsequently devoured by wild beasts. Battle during which much blood was spilled, soldiers "cut in pieces." Preparations made for mass execution (*spoiler* but not carried out).
10. "The Story of Sinbad the Voyager" |⭐⭐⭐⭐|
Divided into a sort of preface, chapter accounts of seven voyages, and a conclusion, this is another well-known and much-retold tale. It begins with a poverty-stricken porter being invited to feast with a wealthy man and hear stories told, over seven nights, of his adventures.
--Voyage 1: Tells of Sinbad's initial shipwreck, his deliverance, and the makings of his first fortune.
--Voyage 2: Accidentally marooned, he finds himself stranded with a roc (bird of magnificent size) and its equally magnificent egg of legend. Relates his experiences in the Valley of Diamonds and eventual return home.
--Voyage 3: Driven by a storm to shelter near a dangerous island, the crew is attacked by the inhabitants and find themselves threatened by a giant cannibalistic Cyclops.
**Note: the monster skewers men alive, roasts and eats them. Men are drowned. A man is swallowed by a giant serpent and it is described that the crushing of his bones was audible; later, another meets the same fate. A man is tempted to commit suicide.
--Voyage 4: Shipwrecked yet again, the hero washes ashore an isle of cannibals. Later, after being rescued and dwelling in another country awhile, he is lowered into a deep pit to die.
**Note: His companions are summarily drugged, fattened up, and eaten. Comes to a country whose custom is burying living people alongside their deceased spouses. Mention of multiple wives. Robbery of burial riches off the dead. Lies told.
--Voyage 5: sailors find a roc's egg, meddle with it and kill the chick, thus inviting the wrath and retribution of the unhappy parents.
**Note: a hatching bird is described as being extricated from its shell in sections, roasted, and eaten. Mariners crushed by boulders and drowned. An old man is struck with a stone and killed by Sinbad.
--Voyage 6: Guess what? Another shipwreck. 😂 Acquisition of more wealth. Escape. Favor of a caliph and more gifts (eventual outcome of every voyage 🤔).
**Note: men die of starvation and are buried. Natives are called Negroes. A female slave is given as a gift.
--Voyage 7: Captured by corsairs and sold as a slave, Sinbad has some adventures and close scrapes with elephants, gains his freedom, and acquires more riches.
**Note: elephants are killed for their ivory.
You've reached the end at last of this insanely long review. 😅 Whew!
August 22, 2023
I will never not love The Arabian Nights. I grew up reading these stories over and over and losing myself in them. This is not the best version I have read, but it is good.
My take away as an adult on these tales is they look at the juxtapositions of humans. The stupidity of them held up against their ingenuity. The best of them held up against the worst of them. The honourable in them held up against the dishonourable. Courage against cowardice. Endurance against giving up. Again and again, people are presented with simple choices that reveal who they are. Some people are given opportunities to be endlessly greedy without consequence, but take only what is needed. While others have much and sacrifice all trying to get just that little bit more. Some will happily quarter a man, but request no salt be used in the cooking of their meal with someone they intend to later try and kill because sharing salt is considered an act of peace and friendship they feel honour bound to not do with someone they intend to betray (despite this raising suspicion). Some "unnaturally" betray even their own kin, while others put themselves into dangerous situations to help complete strangers right injustice. There is unreasonable, self-sacrificing kindness from strangers. And disturbing, self-serving cruelty from family. People leave everything to bind themselves to someone who saved their life. While others plot the murders of the very people who helped them most. Regardless the stories are simple in a way. You know who to root for and who to dislike. The bad characters are easily spotted and there's comfort in knowing they will always get what is coming to them before the tale ends.
Also another thing that stood out to me is humanity's complete inability to follow very simple instructions set out with clearly detailed consequences. Do not open that door. Do not look behind you when you climb the mountain. Do not kill the rock bird baby. Do not touch the treasure. Etc. If you do X, bad things will happen. If you don't do X, good things will happen. And yet every time... be it fear or curiosity or greed or hunger... the promised reward they know they will receive if they hold out is drowned out by the desires of now and the characters always fail to follow the instructions. No matter how good the reward or how bad the consequence, they fail to follow the instructions. I guess in this is the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden replaying over and over.
I love how even within such an ancient book, there are several stories of girls who are strong and brave and adventurous and who save the day through their courage and quick thinking.
Last... how does this "best known tales" version not include Scheherazade?!?! It's possibly one of the most well known tales from The Arabian Nights outside of Aladdin and Ali Baba!! It's the setting from which all the stories are told!!
My take away as an adult on these tales is they look at the juxtapositions of humans. The stupidity of them held up against their ingenuity. The best of them held up against the worst of them. The honourable in them held up against the dishonourable. Courage against cowardice. Endurance against giving up. Again and again, people are presented with simple choices that reveal who they are. Some people are given opportunities to be endlessly greedy without consequence, but take only what is needed. While others have much and sacrifice all trying to get just that little bit more. Some will happily quarter a man, but request no salt be used in the cooking of their meal with someone they intend to later try and kill because sharing salt is considered an act of peace and friendship they feel honour bound to not do with someone they intend to betray (despite this raising suspicion). Some "unnaturally" betray even their own kin, while others put themselves into dangerous situations to help complete strangers right injustice. There is unreasonable, self-sacrificing kindness from strangers. And disturbing, self-serving cruelty from family. People leave everything to bind themselves to someone who saved their life. While others plot the murders of the very people who helped them most. Regardless the stories are simple in a way. You know who to root for and who to dislike. The bad characters are easily spotted and there's comfort in knowing they will always get what is coming to them before the tale ends.
Also another thing that stood out to me is humanity's complete inability to follow very simple instructions set out with clearly detailed consequences. Do not open that door. Do not look behind you when you climb the mountain. Do not kill the rock bird baby. Do not touch the treasure. Etc. If you do X, bad things will happen. If you don't do X, good things will happen. And yet every time... be it fear or curiosity or greed or hunger... the promised reward they know they will receive if they hold out is drowned out by the desires of now and the characters always fail to follow the instructions. No matter how good the reward or how bad the consequence, they fail to follow the instructions. I guess in this is the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden replaying over and over.
I love how even within such an ancient book, there are several stories of girls who are strong and brave and adventurous and who save the day through their courage and quick thinking.
Last... how does this "best known tales" version not include Scheherazade?!?! It's possibly one of the most well known tales from The Arabian Nights outside of Aladdin and Ali Baba!! It's the setting from which all the stories are told!!
February 12, 2024
These were really fun to listen to, and the narrator was phenomenal (beautiful British accent). If I can't read them all, then I at least wanted to hear the most popular ones. It was interesting to note the differences in culture and time period, especially in relation to women and girls. Lots of sexism and misogyny in the way females were perceived and treated in the stories (submission to males/husbands, no choice in partnership/marriage, dislike/regret of female children, traditional gender roles, etc.). Made me a little sad, a little angry on behalf of women, but I understood the context of when and where these tales were recorded. Overall, very enjoyable.
April 25, 2024
I’ve always loved A Thousand and One Nights since reading about Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves in childhood in an African country. Each adaptation always has subtle differences. Reading this, the anti-blackness was just very overt. It’s always there but in this version, I couldn’t help noticing how there was always a need to use “black” to identify the thieves, the promiscuous, lustful, and enslaved. Didn’t change the story either, probably a marker of the times in Persia and South Asia back then. So, I’m not sure why it’s still being retained in newer versions. The stories should be enjoyed by all without shackling whole people into stereotypes that have been dismantled.
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