The Arabian Nights: Library Edition

Rating:
Summary: Charming but dated version of timeless tales
Review: First published in 1909, this version of these magical tales suffers a bit from the moralism of the times. For example, in place of the original theme that fatalism, in which all things are the will of Allah, Wiggins has put stern lessons about the perils of laziness and lack of constant virtue. Of course the erotic elements are missing, which may be quite appropriate for an edition intended for children.

Otherwise, I would have to say that almost all the magic, wonder, and adventure that are associated with the 1,001 Nights are to be found herein. The Maxfield Parish paintings are wonderful.

One of the most dissapointing elements is the decision to not include the "frame story" about Sheherizade telling these tales over the fabled 1,001 nights. Also much reduced is the constant use of tales-within-tales, a hallmark of the Arabian Nights collection. Both these changes tend to simplify the book, perhaps in a way that will make it more accessible and less confusing to young readers. But, then, this is hardly the book for young readers who do not like a challenge, especially since writing relies upon a lot of outdated words and word usage.

Rating:
Summary: Wonders And Treasure
Review: This is a good introduction into the tales of the Arabian Nights. Most of the tales involve characters seeking gold and riches of some sort and being able to get them easily by the use of magic. There is also a lot of turnings and twistings of fate; characters go from fortune to misfortune or vice versa. There is not internal depth to the characters here; so don't expect any interior monologues or in depth conversations about relationships. It is like reading a movie script; lots of action and wonder and a lot of stock characterization.

Aladdin is the most well developed tale as I read about Aladdin's development from a street urchin to a prince and the perils he goes through to attain such a position and keep it. A money for beauty exchange is made as it is done in some of these tales; he sees the beautiful princess, he wants her, he gets the riches to attain her. Even today, not much has changed.

Ali Baba and The Forty Thieves is also good as I read about Ali's finding the thieve's stash and the many perils he goes through to get the riches and keep them with help of his trusty and clever female slave.

"Prince Agib" was a good allegory about human nature in which the prince is forbidden to open a certain door. If he does, he will have to leave the paradise he has found and all the beautiful maidens who dwell there.