Tales of the Heavens (Hardcover)

Author: Zhi Pu-Hao et al
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-02-01
Features: The temporal and spatial scope of this book is extremely vast. Its stories unfold in various regions, from Arabia to Persia, India, and China, as well as Africa and Europe. When mythical creatures and supernatural beings appear, the distances between regions can be traversed in just a few months, with the protagonists soaring through the skies, across the land, and over the seas. Due to its broad temporal and spatial coverage and its inclusion of multiple ethnic elements, one critic humorously remarked, "One Thousand and One Nights is a Persian story told to Harun al-Rashid in Cairo in the 14th century by Queen Esther of ancient Israel in the manner of Sakyamuni." This book, curated by an expert in Arabic literature, selects forty of the most captivating stories from One Thousand and One Nights, fully embodying the essence of this timeless world classic. It also includes over thirty illustrations in various styles. The stories are diverse and vivid. The characters range from various mythical creatures and spirits to nearly every social class and profession, such as emperors, generals, princes, princesses, merchants, fishermen, tailors, monks, beggars, laborers, craftsmen, and slaves. Most of the stories have a mythological flavor.