First Edition, First Printing. Andrew Lang was a distinguished Scottish figure renowned for his multifaceted literary career. He excelled as a poet, novelist, literary critic, and anthropologist. Beyond his diverse writing, Lang held a significant place as a collector and editor of fairy tales and folklore. He is most celebrated for his "Coloured Fairy Books" series, a collection spanning twelve volumes that brought together enchanting tales from various cultures worldwide. Lang's 1898 edition of The Arabian Nights Entertainments, published by Longmans, Green & Co., is often considered an unofficial yet fitting thirteenth addition to this beloved series, sharing its accessible style and intended audience. Lang's primary objective was to present these captivating stories in a manner that resonated with children, ensuring their engagement while preserving the inherent wonder and charm of the original narratives.
The Arabian Nights Entertainments represents a rich tapestry of stories with origins in the Middle East and South Asia, compiled over centuries. The overarching narrative framework centers on the Persian King Shahryar, who, after being betrayed by his first wife, adopts a cruel practice of marrying a new virgin each night only to have her executed the following morning. Scheherazade, the wise and resourceful new bride, cleverly thwarts her fate by narrating enthralling stories to the king each night, deliberately leaving them unfinished to maintain his curiosity and secure another day of life. This captivating storytelling continues for an astonishing 1001 nights. The collection encompasses a vast spectrum of tales, spanning genres such as adventure, romance, fantasy, and moral instruction. Within this rich anthology reside some of the most iconic stories in world literature, including "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp," "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," and "The Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor."
