Sinbad the Sailor and Other Tales from the Arabian Nights (Puffin Classics - the Essential Collection)
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Book Reviews of Sinbad the Sailor and Other Tales from the Arabian Nights (Puffin Classics - the Essential Collection)

Book Review: Eastern tales that have seized the Western mind!
Summary: 4 Stars

First introduced to the Western world in the eighteenth century, these stories have attained great popularity, and been retold many times, with "Aladdin" even being made into a Disney film. This collection features only a small selection of the best and most popular tales. Unlike many editions, it doesn't reflect the contemporary versions of the stories, but seeks to be faithful to the authentic Arabic sources. N.J. Dawood is well-equipped to retell these stories from the original Arabic. Born in Baghdad, Dawood attained a reputation as a scholar and received a university education in London. Amongst other projects he has translated "The Koran" and a complete collection of "Tales from the Thousand and One Nights."

Because this version intends to be faithful to the original Arabic, readers should not expect a sanitized Western interpretation. If you are looking for a fresh style that brings these stories to life for children in a modern Western audience, this is likely not the edition for you. These stories are unashamedly Arabic in character, and the religious aspect (Islam) is dominant throughout, where health and wealth, wine and women are bestowed as the blessing of Allah for obedience. But despite this, these stories continue to capture the Western imagination. Expect to read stories about powerful genies (jinees), magical lamps, talking animals, distant voyages, and impossible adventures.

This volume (a companion to "Aladdin and Other Tales from The Arabian Nights") contains the well-known stories of the seven voyages of "Sinbad the Sailor", and "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves". Also represented are the lesser-known but equally fascinating "Tale of the Hunchback" and "The Barber of Baghdad". A great opportunity to read stories that have stood the test of time in another culture - these are classics, and make a good introduction to the original cultural flavour of "Tales from the Arabian Nights"!

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