Customer Reviews

The Arabian Nights (Illustrated Junior Library)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a review of the hardcover edition.
This is an awesome book! This was the first version of the Arabian Nights I ever read and sparked a lifelong fascination with these stories. The illustrations are beautiful and the language elegant. I would say that this is for slightly older children, 12 and up perhaps, because of the advanced language. But, if your child is that old or has a high reading level, this would be wonderful addition to his or her library. The stories are not dumbed down and are the traditional variations ("Aladdin" takes place in China, for example, as it does in the original 1001 Nights). Although excellent for children, the language, illustrations, and tone also make this a good book for adults who enjoy these stories.

Included are both well known tales (Aladdin, Ali Baba, Sinbad) and lesser known stories that I think are actually richer and more interesting than the familiar ones. The illustrations are stylized drawings reminiscent of Persian miniatures and other Middle Eastern art. Black and white line drawings appear on nearly every page and there are about 5 or 6 color plates interspersed throughout the book as well. The paper stock is of good quality and the hard cover, while it could have been a little firmer, means the book will last. It also comes with a clear plastic dust jacket which will protect the cover at least somewhat, although I removed mine.

All in all this is a beautiful book and an excellent introduction to the Arabian Nights for readers of any age!

I have a copy of this book from when I was a child. Now that I have a baby of my own, I am reading to him from it. Yes, the language is very ... um... advanced, but it is beautiful. Also, the book may not always be PC, as mores have changed since it was written. Still, very worthwhile and full of beautiful language. Also, portrays Sinbad as a bit of a fraidy cat....

It is great to have this book again. My original copy got lost in my latest move. This is a beautiful edition with beautiful illustrations. This is includes the stories of Aladdin, Ali Baba and Sinbad, all stories I enjoyed as a child. I am glad you had this copy.

Terriffic reading with spectacular illustrations!!

This was a terrible book. It didn't help me at all and it was very difficult to understand.