DK Eyewitness
2 total works
Eyewitness Classics: Aladdin & Other Tales from the Arabian Nights
by Rosalind Kerven
Published 14 May 1998
Arabic Persian and Indian in origin these world-famous tales of magic and adventure brim over with life. Interwoven with a fantastical world of genies and magicians is a depiction of medieval Islamic society from poor peasants and low-life robbers to wealthy sultans and princesses. First recited by storytellers the tales began to be collected and written down in the 9th century - later becoming known as the Arabian Nights. Today these stories have inspired numerous films cartoons and pantomimes that have made their characters household names.This collection includes the framing story of Shahrazad and well-known favourites such as Aladdin and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Rosalind Kerven's lively retellings capture the spirit of the tales and the historical settings are explored by hundreds of paintings photographs and facts about Islamic society life in a Persian court and genies in Arabic folklore. This unique collection will inspire a new generation of children.
The tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table conjure up visions of a golden age of heroism and wonder. For a thousand years they have passed from generation to generation across Europe and the rest of the world. Today's children encounter them in innumerable books films and TV versions. Rosalind Kerven's retelling draws on the original Celtic and medieval legends to chronicle the rise to power of the boy decreed by fate to be King of Britain his glorious reign and his tragic yet triumphant passing. Tudor Humphries's illustrations evoke all the magic romance and majesty of Arthur's story. Photographs and paintings investigate Arthur's "real" identity the chivalry and religion of his court the places associated with him and the worldwide impact of his story.