One Thousand And One Nights

Aladin, Sinbad, Genies, Flying Carpets, Ali Baba… One Thousand and One Nights has left us with some enduring characters. The European version was first introduced (in French) in 1707. For most of the people of the time, this was the first real taste of the fables and mythology of the East. Wildly influential on people like Tolstoy, Wells, Lovecraft and a veritable who's who of modern authors.Why it's on the listThis collection of stories is an excellent counterpoint to Grimm and Anderson. By reading the 3 collections back to back you will be able to gain an interesting perspective on the morality, fables and culture of both east and west.Interestingly, these stories are not looked upon kindly by Eastern scholars – they find them badly written, childish and truly fit only for women and children. The stark difference between this view and the way in which Western authors have embraced the stories is in itself a wonderful commentary on the difference between East and West. At times misogynistic, confusing and always magical – One Thousand and One Nights is a much-recommended read.Read if you likeEastern fables. Classic childhood stories.