Introduction

Probably one of the original "story within a story" books, Arabian Nights is a selection of stories told by a young girl on her wedding night to a prince who has sworn to kill any girl who marries him.

Storytelling and Themes

Her clever stories serve as "cliff-hangers" and keep him from murdering her night after night. This collection is where classic fairy tales such as Aladdin and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves come from as well as well-known moral tales and metaphors.

Features and Appeal

The use of djinns, magic, and an evocation of Oriental splendor makes Arabian Nights dazzle. A "must read" book and the perfect counterpoint to western fairy tales such as Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm.