The Arabian Nights – Four Volumes – 1798

An attractive set of the  Arabian Nights Entertainments in four volumes, published in 1798.

Contains all the well-known stories including Aladdin, Ali Baba, Sindbad the Sailor, Noureddin Ali, The Story of the Fisherman and many more.

The first European translation of the Arabian Nights tales was undertaken by a French scholar, Antoine Galland (1646-1715), who learned about the stories while travelling and studying in the Levant. Using several 15th-century Syrian manuscripts as a starting point, he translated the stories into French, which formed the basis for Volumes I-VII of his works published in France in the first decade of the 18th century, using the title ‘Les Mille et Une Nuits’ – or A Thousand and One Nights.

This set is translated into English from Galland’s French original, using the so-called ‘Grub Street’ translation whose exact origin remains unknown.  Published by T.N. Longman in London in 1798.

Each volume hardback, in a later half calf binding with marbled boards. Decorative spines with raised bands, titling and numbering clear, colour slightly faded. In very good condition. Minor rubbing and wear externally, occasional spotting to early pages. 17cm x 11cm. Bindings all tight and square.

Bookplate of Viscount Halifax, or Charles Lindley Wood (1839-1934), dated 1894, a British politician and public figure, as well as a well-known book collector.

 Bindings are all tight and square.  Volumes comprise 358, 350, 340 and 384 pages respectively.