One Thousand and One Nights

Author: Arab Folktales, translated by Qi Pu-hao et al
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-12-04
Features: One Thousand and One Nights is a classic literary work from ancient Arabia. It compiles myths, fables, and supernatural tales from various ethnic groups in the ancient Near East, Central Asia, and other regions. These stories are enigmatic, magical, and captivating, touching the hearts of readers worldwide and enduring through the ages. It has been hailed by Maxim Gorky as a "monument of splendid stature" in the history of folk literature. One Thousand and One Nights was not the work of a single author. It is the result of continuous refinement and creation by generations of Arab storytellers. It has been circulating in Arabia since as early as the late 8th century, taking its final literary form in the 16th century. The earliest sources of the stories are a Persian collection called Hezar-Efsan-e-Ahlan. Many of the important stories in One Thousand and One Nights originated during the prosperous period of the Abbasid Dynasty, which had its capital in Baghdad, as well as later in Egypt. The stories in One Thousand and One Nights are diverse and rich in color. The characters range from various gods, demons, and spirits to nearly every social class and occupation, including emperors, kings, princesses, merchants, fishermen, tailors, monks, beggars, artisans, slaves, and maidservants. Most of the stories are imbued with mystical elements, full of twists and turns, and ever-changing. Mythology here becomes a special artistic means to depict social life. Through the mysterious and enigmatic layers of the stories, one can glimpse the various scenes of life in ancient Arab society, particularly the hopes, emotions, aspirations, and pursuits of the common people.