It is almost impossible to envision what childhood would be like without the enchanting world of the Arabian Nights. Beautiful princesses, genies who emerge from bottles, magic words that open doors to great treasure, giants and dwarves, monsters and magicians, talking birds and beasts, the magical world of medieval Bagdad — these are the elements that thrill young boys and girls of all lands and all time.
The Arabian Nights stories have long been favorites, but unfortunately in their original form they are far too long — and often too erotic — for children. Andrew Lang selected the best, most interesting tales and has told them in a manner that children will enjoy. Here are Lang's own versions of Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, of Noureddin and the Fair Persian, of Prince Camaralzaman and the Princess Badoura, and of the Enchanted Horse; and the many adventures of Haroun-al-Raschid, Caliph of Bagdad and of Ali Cogia, Merchant of Bagdad. A special treat is the inclusion of the full Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor, which are not usually included in collections of Arabian Nights stories. Altogether there are 26 tales abounding with genies and peris, vizirs and dervishes…and they are certain to delight children today as they have for generations.
The vivid and imaginative illustrations which H. J. Ford provided for the original edition of this book have all been retained in the Dover edition — 33 full-page plates and 34 smaller drawings in the text. With the help of these illustrations and the large, readable type, school-age children will be able to enjoy the stories on their own.
