The Arabian Nights [Hardcover]

Neil Philip (Author), Shelia Moxley (Illustrator), Sheila Moxley (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1994 | Age Level: 9 and up

A newly illustrated collection of the classic stories from The Arabian Nights, including ""Aladdin"" and ""Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,"" gives these familiar tales new energy, revitalizing them for today's readers.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With its luxurious, jewel-toned illustrations, this handsome book affords a splendid introduction to the literary classic. Philip, a folklorist, presents a diverse selection of the stories collected and translated by Sir Richard Burton and others (an endnote identifies numerous sources and explains Philip's use of them). Included are such favorites as "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" and "Aladdin"; "Sinbad the Sailor," however, is omitted "on the grounds both of length and tedium." Opening with Sheherazade's predicament before the king, Philip leaps into an energetic, colorful narrative, a patchwork of adventure and magic which telegraphs an exuberant love of storytelling. Lush acrylic paintings convey a fairy-tale wonder, whether depicting human or fantastic adventures. Royal chambers are decked out in rich crimsons and violets, and a star-splashed velvet sky hangs overhead. Moxley's palette and style bear more than a passing resemblance to the work of Jane Ray, and the layout and design recall that of Margaret Mayo and Ray's Magical Tales from Many Lands. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-This collection grows stronger and more enthralling with each successive tale that Sheherazade weaves. The traditional "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" is included as are "Aladdin" and "The Anklet," a Cinderella variant. The less-familiar stories are successful as well, and children will be drawn in by the elegant fairy-tale language. Philip's turn of phrase sets just the right mood for these stories. Moxley's vibrant, jewel-toned acrylics are as rich as the king's treasury. Her folk-art style is reminiscent of Jane Ray's work, with its intricate compositions and accent touches of gold leaf. The endpapers are like an abstract box of jewels. The figures are more primitive than graceful, which sometimes makes them stiff, but does not detract from the book's overall appeal. It is best suited for independent reading, but would make a perfect, story-a-day read-aloud. The gravity of Sheherazade's plight and the suspense of wondering what tale she'll think of next will keep listeners on the edge of their seats.
Cheri Estes, Dorchester Road Regional Library, Charleston, SC
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 157 pages
• Publisher: Orchard Books (NY) (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531068684
• ISBN-13: 978-0531068687
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,804,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Arabian Nights, November 18, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Arabian Nights (Hardcover)

The Arabian Nights (Myths and Legends)
Retold by Neil Philip, Illustrated by Sheila Moxley

King Shahryar made a promise to wed one woman a day, and have her head chopped off at the first light of morning. When beautiful Sheherazade was married to the king, she hatched a plan... to tell a story through the night so that when morning came, the story would not be done, and she would live another day. She told a thousand and one stories over a thousand and one nights, and when she was done telling stories, the king declared her worthy of queen. These magical stories have been collected and gathered together in this book of tales. Featuring "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" and "Aladdin' it is also full of less known stories such as the first Cinderella. I think that anyone who is interested in Middle Eastern culture and history would love this book, as well as anyone wanting a good story. The book is full of murderers and genies, magic lamps and treasure, beautiful princesses and flying horses, wisdom and moral.
Personally, I thought the stories were fantastic but a little repetitive. The good people were always beautiful and poor (unless they were royal- then they were beautiful and rich), and the bad people were always the older siblings who were greedy and ugly.
This book transports you back to the time of Sheherazade, and you have to give her kudos for using her wide knowledge of stories to stay alive. I recommend for you to read this book... you never know when the stories may come in handy!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A CLASSIC REVISITED, April 21, 2004

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Arabian Nights (Hardcover)

As retold by Neil Philip and illustrated by Sheila Moxley, "The Arabian Nights" is as exciting as the brilliantly bold jewel-toned paintings accompanying it.

The stories of Sheherazade, including "Aladdin" and "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" in this modern edition will again captivate readers.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Arabian Nights, October 21, 2000

By 

Jennifer Teguia (Fremont, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Arabian Nights (Hardcover)

This beautifully illustrated book is wonderful for those who are experiencing Arabian Nights for the first time or for the hundredth time! The stories are easy to follow and fun for all ages.