HarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics. ‘“For,” said he, “there never was nor is there one chaste woman upon the face of earth.”’ A collection of Persian, Arabian and Indian tales dating from the 9th century, Sir Richard Burton’s most well-known translation of Arabian Nights brings together ancient folklore and stories passed down from generation to generation. Featuring tales about love, history, tragedy and comedy as well as fables and fairy tales, this edition remains a well-loved collection of exotic and evocative stories. Fantastical and curious customs are bought to life by Burton’s translation in stories such as ‘The Lovers of Bassorah’, ‘The Concubine of Al-Maamun’ and ‘The Hunchback’s Tale’.

HarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics. ‘So he rose and lighted one lamp after another, till he had lighted the whole eighty and the palace seemed to dance with brilliancy.’ Beginning with the legend of King Shahryr, whose anger at his queen’s infidelity leads him to murder a new wife each day, Arabian Nights weaves together ancient folklore and magic in an anthology of fantastical and evocative stories dating from the ninth century. Rich with suspense, passion and tragedy, Sir Richard Burton’s celebrated translation continues to transport readers across oceans, to mystical lands and ancient palaces in tales such as ‘The Lovers of Bessorah’, The Fellah and His Wicked Wife’ and ‘The Hunchback’s Tale’.

Translated by the noted Victorian Orientalist, Sir Richard F. Burton, from the original Sanskrit, these ancient Indian folk tales influenced such later works as "1001 Arabian Nights" and Boccaccio's "Decameron." First published in 1870, these stories will entertain and delight modern readers while illuminating the life and customs of classical India.