Books

This twelve-volume set bound in three-quarter leather with marbled boards and endpapers has some flaws, but remains a very attractive set, and is priced accordingly. The set is edited by Leonard C. Smithers and illustrated with seventy-one original plates by Albert Letchford. All volumes are tight and square with exceptionally clear and crisp contents. Since each volume has separately numbered pages and characteristics, we will describe each volume independently. Volume 1 (416 pages) has wear and tear at the top of the backstrip and some darkening at the bottom. Volume 2 (431 pages) a bit of darkening at base of spine. Volume 3 (444 pages) good. Volume 4 (418 pages) some wear at top of backstrip. Volume 5 (400 pages) good. Volume 6 (408 pages) some darkening along the lower edges of the covers. Volume 7 (406 pages) some darkening along the lower edges of the covers. Volume 8 (424 pages) some darkening along the spine and the lower edges of the covers. Volume 9 (444 pages) some darkening along the spine and the lower edges of the covers. Light damp stain at lower edges of the first few pages. Volume 10 (479 pages) some darkening along the spine and the lower edges of the covers. Front flyleaf chipped. Volumes 11 (494 pages) some darkening along the spine and the lower edges of the covers. A short separation at the base of the front hinge. Volume 12 (399 pages) some darkening along the spine and the lower edges of the covers. Size: 4to - over 9�" - 12" tall.

The "Kitāb 'Alf Layla wa-Layla" (The Book of One Thousand and One Nights), commonly known in English as "The Arabian Nights," is a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age. Spanning from the 8th to the 14th centuries, this collection has been a significant cultural artifact, reflecting the complexity, traditions, and values of the Islamic world of its time. It has also played a crucial role in shaping Western perceptions of the East and has influenced an array of literary, musical, cinematic, and artistic endeavors across the globe. This essay explores the origins, structure, themes, and influence of "The Arabian Nights," shedding light on its enduring legacy and significance. The origins of "The Arabian Nights" are complex and multicultural, with stories traced back to ancient and medieval Persian, Indian, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian literature. These tales were gradually compiled and translated into Arabic, with the earliest references to the collection appearing in the 9th century. However, it was during the Islamic Golden Age that the collection, as known today, began to take shape, incorporating various stories of merchants, heroes, villains, jesters, and supernatural beings, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of the societies within the Islamic caliphates. At the heart of "The Arabian Nights" is the frame story of Shahrazad (Scheherazade), the daughter of the vizier, who volunteers to marry the sultan Shahryar. The sultan, betrayed by his first wife, vows to marry a new bride each day and have her executed the next morning to prevent further betrayal. Shahrazad, to save herself and future brides, tells Shahryar a story each night, leaving it incomplete and promising to finish it the following night. This narrative technique not only serves to connect the disparate tales but also showcases the power of storytelling as a means of transformation and survival. "The Arabian Nights" encapsulates a plethora of themes, including justice, betrayal, love, bravery, and the supernatural. The stories range from historical narratives and tragic romances to humorous anecdotes and moral lessons, offering insights into the diverse and complex societies from which they originate. The collection also frequently employs motifs such as jinn, magical devices, and fantastical creatures, weaving a rich tapestry that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The impact of "The Arabian Nights" on world literature and culture cannot be overstated. The tales have been translated into numerous languages and have inspired countless adaptations in literature, opera, film, and visual arts. Characters like Aladdin, Sinbad, and Ali Baba have become cultural icons, and the themes of the tales have resonated with audiences around the globe, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries. Moreover, "The Arabian Nights" has contributed significantly to Western perceptions of the East, albeit through an orientalist lens that has often romanticized and exoticized Eastern cultures. This aspect of its legacy invites critical examination and dialogue about cultural representation and appropriation.