The Annotated Arabian Nights

Synopsis

Starting in 1999 with the publication of The Definitive Annotated Alice, the Norton and Liveright annotated books have become the leading series of classic, illustrated works in the English language. The long-anticipated publication of The Annotated Arabian Nights extends this tradition with a strikingly modern translation-the first of Shahrazad's tales into English by a woman-as well as erudite notes that will illuminate the stories for both dedicated readers and newcomers. Yasmine Seale's translations from both Arabic and French capture the musicality and rhythm of the Nights' poetry and prose, while Paulo Lemos Horta's annotations wrestle with the extraordinarily complex origins and history of the stories, showing that, far from being inventions of French antiquarians or English explorers, they have clear antecedents in Arabic folklore and tradition. This stunningly illustrated edition selects core stories as well as treasured later additions such as "Aladdin" and "Ali Baba" to offer an unparalleled account of a cornerstone of world literature that can be treasured by children, students and literature-lovers alike.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

Summary:
This chapter provides an overview of the Arabian Nights, its historical origins, and its significant role in world literature. It discusses the diverse cultural influences and the complex transmission history of the tales.

Example:
"The tales of the Arabian Nights have been collected and retold for over a thousand years, with roots in ancient India, Persia, and Arabia. They arrived in Europe in the 18th century and became an instant sensation, inspiring countless works of art and literature."

Chapter 2: The Frame Story

Summary:
This chapter introduces Shahryar, the tyrannical king who fears women, and Shahrazad, the clever maiden who tells him stories every night to postpone her execution.

Example:
"Shahrazad began her storytelling with 'The Merchant and the Demon,' a tale of an avaricious merchant who makes a foolish bargain with a powerful demon. As the night wore on, Shahrazad paused, tantalizing Shahryar with the promise of how the story would unfold the next night."

Chapter 3: The First Night

Summary:
This chapter presents the first four stories of the frame story, including "Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp," "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," "The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor," and "The Story of the Fisherman and the Jinni."

Example:
"In 'Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp,' a poor boy stumbles upon a magical lamp that grants him unlimited wishes. He uses his newfound wealth to win the heart of the Sultan's daughter and live a life of luxury."

Chapter 4: The Second Night

Summary:
This chapter continues the frame story with the next four stories, featuring characters such as Caliph Harun al-Rashid, the wise Wazir Ja'afar, and the beautiful Princess Dunyazad.

Example:
"The story of 'The Three Apples' tells of a king who is tricked by a cunning thief into believing that he is the wisest man in the world, but his folly is eventually exposed by the thief's clever ruse."

Chapter 5: The Third Night

Summary:
This chapter includes stories of adventure, love, and magic, such as "The Story of the Ebony Horse," "The Tale of Judar and His Brothers," and "The Adventures of Bulukiya."

Example:
"In 'The Story of the Ebony Horse,' a young man acquires a magical horse that can fly, allowing him to escape his poverty and explore the world with his beloved princess."

Chapter 6: The Fourth Night

Summary:
This chapter features tales of intrigue, treachery, and the supernatural, including "The Story of the Barber's Fifth Brother," "The Story of the Ensorcelled Princess," and "The Story of the Three Calenders."

Example:
"In 'The Story of the Ensorcelled Princess,' a prince encounters a beautiful woman who has been cursed to turn into a bird during the day. He must find a way to break the spell and win her love."