Customer Reviews

The Arabian Nights: The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night (Collector's Library Editions)

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This unexpurgated edition is simply wonderful. The passages are filled with intricate descriptions and incredible woodcut artwork. Be aware though that while the individual stories contained are not cut, this is NOT a full volume of the whole of the Arabian Nights. Sir Burton's full Tales covers 10 volumes and an additional 7 supplemental volumes. Think of this delightful book as the "best of" the Arabian Nights, in a handsome hardcover edition that is both readable and visually appealing. It is a great intro to the tales of 1001 nights. This is not an edition for young children, as the tales appear in their original state, gory and "Grimm".

No, it does not contain all of the Arabian Nights stories. But, who wants them all in one book, anyway? It has a good selection of stories and the illustrations are a nice break and addition to the stories. The cover is done well and is, overall, a presentable copy. If this is to sit on you coffee table or in your book case, it will handle either role well.

It is a little on the heavy side for long time lap or bedtime reading. But, the nice thing about the Arabian Nights is that each story can stand alone. So, you can grab a quick read and not be in for the long haul.