Arabic Persian and Indian in origin these world-famous tales of magic and adventure brim over with life. Interwoven with a fantastical world of genies and magicians is a depiction of medieval Islamic society from poor peasants and low-life robbers to wealthy sultans and princesses. First recited by storytellers the tales began to be collected and written down in the 9th century - later becoming known as the Arabian Nights. Today these stories have inspired numerous films cartoons and pantomimes that have made their characters household names.This collection includes the framing story of Shahrazad and well-known favourites such as Aladdin and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Rosalind Kerven's lively retellings capture the spirit of the tales and the historical settings are explored by hundreds of paintings photographs and facts about Islamic society life in a Persian court and genies in Arabic folklore. This unique collection will inspire a new generation of children.