One Thousand and One Nights

Author: Yang Yanhong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: One Thousand and One Nights is an ancient folk tale from the Arab region. Starting from the 9th century, it was collected and compiled until the 16th century. By the 18th century, it had spread to many countries in Europe and Asia. The entire book contains over 200 stories, and the selections here are some of the most famous ones. What are the features of these stories? They reflect the splendid colors of Eastern culture: mysterious, strange, rich in fantasy, and beautifully written. They combine magical imagination with the realities of the Arab world at that time, allowing readers to understand the life and customs of the people during that period. The book shows sympathy for the hardships of the poor and praises their wisdom; it celebrates the spirit of adventure, especially the bravery of sailors, because many countries at that time were developed through maritime trade. Although the book regards wealth and luxury as the highest ideal, it believes that only good-hearted people should enjoy it. Through centuries of continuous collection, organization, and refinement, it is the crystallization of collective wisdom of the Arab peoples. One Thousand and One Nights is a collection of independent, unrelated stories, vividly depicting the colorful life of ancient Arabia. The themes are diverse, sometimes praising the hardworking, honest, and kind virtues of the laboring people, sometimes portraying the adventures and courage of merchants exploring the unknown world, or celebrating the pure and steadfast love between young men and women. It reflects the Arab people's yearning for a better life and love, as well as their pursuit of upholding good, punishing evil, and distinguishing truth from falsehood. The characters range from emperors, kings, and nobles to merchants, fishermen, tailors, artisans, slaves, and maids. In short, the brilliant stories, the abrupt and bizarre plots, and the extraordinary fantasies of One Thousand and One Nights have amazed countless readers around the world, as Maxim Gorky once said: "Among the grand works of folk oral creation, One Thousand and One Nights stands as the most magnificent monument."