The Arabian Nights: Their Best-known Tales by Wiggin, Smith, and Parrish

(5 User reviews)   4536
English
Ever heard the one about the clever bride who told stories to save her own life? That's the heart of this book. It starts with a king so betrayed by his first wife that he marries a new bride every night... and has her executed every morning. Enter Scheherazade, who volunteers to be the next queen with one brilliant plan: she'll tell the king a story each night, but leave it unfinished at dawn. He has to keep her alive to hear the ending. This collection brings together her most famous tales—think Aladdin, Sinbad, and Ali Baba—in a version that feels fresh and exciting. It's storytelling as the ultimate act of courage and cunning.
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This isn't a single story, but a clever story *about* stories. The frame is simple: Scheherazade, a smart and brave woman, marries a vengeful king who plans to execute her at sunrise. To stay alive, she begins a fantastic tale each night, always stopping at the most suspenseful moment. The king, hooked, spares her life for one more day to hear what happens next. This goes on for 1,001 nights. Inside this frame, we get the adventures she spins—the classic tales we all think we know.

The Story

The book collects the most famous stories Scheherazade tells. You'll follow Aladdin as he finds a magic lamp, Sinbad the Sailor on his seven incredible voyages, and Ali Baba outsmarting the forty thieves. There are flying carpets, genies, secret caves, and clever heroes (and heroines) who use their wits to win the day. The real plot, though, is watching Scheherazade slowly change the king's heart, one cliffhanger at a time.

Why You Should Read It

This version is special. It's edited for a modern reader, so the language flows beautifully without feeling old-fashioned. You get the magic and wonder without getting bogged down. What struck me most was how timeless these tales are. They're about cleverness over brute strength, curiosity over fear, and the incredible power of a good story to change someone's mind. Scheherazade herself is the ultimate heroine—she saves herself and her kingdom not with a sword, but with imagination.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a classic adventure but wants an easy entry point. It's great for reading aloud, for fantasy lovers looking for the roots of the genre, or for anyone who needs a reminder of why we tell stories in the first place. If you think you know these tales from cartoons, this book will show you how much richer and more exciting the originals are.



🔓 Copyright Status

This digital edition is based on a public domain text. You do not need permission to reproduce this work.

Ethan Flores
3 months ago

Great digital experience compared to other versions.

Mason Wright
8 months ago

To be perfectly clear, the character development leaves a lasting impact. One of the best books I've read this year.

Christopher Anderson
1 year ago

To be perfectly clear, it provides a comprehensive overview perfect for everyone. Don't hesitate to start reading.

Donna King
1 year ago

Finally found time to read this!

Joseph Robinson
1 month ago

Text is crisp, making it easy to focus.

5
5 out of 5 (5 User reviews )

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