The most comprehensive treatment of the Arabian Nights ever published, with more than 800 detailed encyclopedic entries and a wealth of authoritative essays and resources. The tales of the Arabian Nights have long been the focus of scholarly research and critique, but no English language work has ever attempted an all-embracing treatment of them. The fruit of years of research, The Arabian Nights Encyclopedia is the first comprehensive reference work introducing both the Arabian Nights and the context of their genesis and aftermath in Near Eastern, European, and world culture. Editors Ulrich Marzolph, one of the world's foremost scholars of Near Eastern narrative culture, and Richard van Leeuwen, a prominent scholar of the Arabian Nights, present detailed, authoritative, and up-to-date research on virtually all aspects of the tales, including major protagonists, themes, important translations, textual history, adaptations, reworkings, works inspired by the Arabian Nights, and aspects of literary theory, and provide extensive bibliographies for each tale. In addition to the 800+ encyclopedic entries and numerous essays, the work introduces research that has not previously been published, making it an invaluable resource to scholars, educators, students, and the general public, as well as an essential addition to the core collection of academic and public libraries.

This comprehensive reference on the "Arabian Nights" presents detailed research on virtually all aspects of the tales, including major protagonists, themes, important translations, textual history, adaptations, reworkings, works inspired by the tales and aspects of literary theory.

The Arab world's greatest folk stories re-imagined by the acclaimed Lebanese novelist Hanan al-Shaykh, published to coincide with the world tour of a magnificent musical and theatrical production directed by Tim Supple

In the labyrinthine alleys of ancient Baghdad, under the starlit Arabian skies, stories weaved a tapestry of magic, adventure, and wisdom. These tales passed down through generations, held the essence of a culture, the dreams of a people, and the unspoken fantasies of humankind. Yet, it was not until the arrival of a curious Frenchman named Antoine Galland that these mesmerizing narratives found their way into the eager hearts of the Western world. Welcome to "Antoine Galland: The First Translator of The Arabian Nights," an exploration into the life and legacy of the man whose penmanship transcended geographical boundaries and cultural divides, bringing the mystical world of Scheherazade and her tales of wonder to the European shores. In the pages that follow, we embark on a captivating journey through time and imagination, retracing the steps of a passionate scholar whose fascination with the East led him to discover a treasure trove of stories. These weren’t merely bedtime fables; they were windows into a realm where Jinn roamed, where clever thieves outsmarted the cunning, and where love conquered the most formidable of foes. We delve deep into the life of Antoine Galland, an individual whose thirst for knowledge and appreciation for diverse cultures became the catalyst for a literary phenomenon. From his encounters with Arabic manuscripts to the challenges he faced in translating these tales, we uncover the intricacies of his labor, the intricacies of linguistic nuances, and the dedication that breathed life into the characters we now know and love. As we navigate through the chapters, we will not only explore the unforgettable stories that Galland introduced to the West—the tales of Aladdin and his magic lamp, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, and the daring adventures of Sinbad the Sailor—but also the controversies and criticisms that shadowed his work. We will peer into the impact his translations had on European literature, the arts, and popular culture, recognizing the profound influence that continues to echo through generations. Antoine Galland's legacy is not merely about translating stories; it's about fostering understanding, bridging cultures, and nurturing the universal love for storytelling. So, join us as we unravel the pages of history, reveal the man behind the magic, and celebrate the enduring allure of Arabian Nights. The journey begins, and the tales await—tales that have, for centuries, kindled the flames of imagination and curiosity, all thanks to the visionary pen of one extraordinary scholar.

Encyclopedic in its coverage, this one-of-a-kind reference is ideal for students, scholars, and others who need reliable, up-to-date information on folk and fairy tales, past and present. Folktales and fairy tales have long played an important role in cultures around the world. They pass customs and lore from generation to generation, provide insights into the peoples who created them, and offer inspiration to creative artists working in media that now include television, film, manga, photography, and computer games. This second, expanded edition of an award-winning reference will help students and teachers as well as storytellers, writers, and creative artists delve into this enchanting world and keep pace with its past and its many new facets. Alphabetically organized and global in scope, the work is the only multivolume reference in English to offer encyclopedic coverage of this subject matter. The four-volume collection covers national, cultural, regional, and linguistic traditions from around the world as well as motifs, themes, characters, and tale types. Writers and illustrators are included as are filmmakers and composers—and, of course, the tales themselves. The expert entries within volumes 1 through 3 are based on the latest research and developments while the contents of volume 4 comprises tales and texts. While most books either present readers with tales from certain countries or cultures or with thematic entries, this encyclopedia stands alone in that it does both, making it a truly unique, one-stop resource.

This is an innovative reference catalogue of 200 annotated bibliographies and abstracts of encyclopaedias published during the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Material is presented in English, Arabic and Turkish.