The Arabian Nights Encyclopedia

Marking 300 years since the collection of Middle Eastern stories was first introduced to European readers, this reference provides information on enduring questions and issues; summaries and discussions of 551 specific stories that have appeared in various manuscripts and editions; and articles on the origin, character, context, and aftermath of the collection as well as on people connected with its production or dissemination and writers and artists who have been influenced by it. Despite its purported antiquated diction and obsession with various kinds of sexual practices, Richard Burton's 1885-88 translation into English as taken as the reference, both because it is comprehensive and widely available. The entries are extensively cross-referenced; concordances and other tools are appended. The two volumes are paged and indexed together. Annotation c2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Ulrich Marzolph, PhD, is professor of Islamic studies at the Georg-August University, Gottingen, Germany, and a senior member of the editorial committee of theEnzyklopadie des Marchens.

Richard van Leeuwen, PhD, is associate professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.