Having read or heard many of these stories in different formats, it was good to read the complete book. This is the translation of a translation, which may have robbed it of some fine details. In all, this one is a thoroughly enjoyable collection of some of the most famous stories of the eastern world. ( )

Parts of this zoomed along and others I slogged through. I can see the value in the literature, but this is not a book I will read the through completely ever again. I may reread parts of it. ( )

I enoyed these ancient tales of princes, princesses, genies, merchants, fantastic adventures, treasures, grand palaces. Common themes are cleverness or foolishness, love, revenge, jealousy, but above all, generosity and helping those in need is valued most in these stories.

Besides entertainment, we also get a picture of a rich, vibrant and educated culture way more sophisticated and world-wise than contemporary Europe, which was stuck in its darkest of the Middle Ages at the same time. Baghdad, Persia, India, China, Egypt feature in the stories, with rich merchants, kings, cities and craftsmen, revealing a flourishing trade and wealthy kingdoms.

A fun and educational insight into the minds and times of medieval Arabic culture.
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Definitely evident this has been edited (I've heard "bowdlerized") to a great extent. I'm interested in reading a longer version so I can compare the two. ( )

This edition of the Arabian Nights contains only the most popular stories and none of the adult content that Sir Richard Francis Burton included in his multi-volume translation.

However, this translation is suitable for children while Burton's translation is not. Although Andrew Lang's language can seem somewhat archaic at times, it is nowhere near as archaic as Burton's. ( )