Description
Book SynopsisIn 1704, the French Orientalist Galland introduced a translation of "The Thousand and One Nights". Over the course of two subsequent centuries, numerous editions followed, including texts not found in the indigenous manuscripts. This book claims to provide accurate information about the content of this classic piece of Arabic folk tradition.
Trade ReviewThis is a valuable reference for university libraries, large public libraries, and Arabic and Middle East study centers. . . . Recommended.
* Choice *
Prof. Hasan M. el-Shamy has once again produced an authoritative work on Middle Eastern folklore . . . There exists a cultural chasm between the Middle East and the European West, and major literary works such as 'Alf laylah wa laylah are relatively unknown, or at best reduced to children's tales or Hollywood spectaculars. el-Shamy's A Motif Index of the Thousand and One Nights is not only valuable to the folklorist, but is an element in bridging the gap.Spring/ Summer 2009
* Western Folklore *
El-Shamy's motif index will certainly be helpful for students of The Thousand and One Nights in finding their way through the ever-expanding corpus of material.124, 2011
* Journal of American Folklore *
The wealth of information contained in [this] volume is impressive, and one can only wish that more studies of this kind will be undertaken on other narrative corpora of the Near and Middle East.
* Journal of Near Eastern Studies *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
A Note on Transliteration
Introduction
List of Abbreviations and Signs
A Note on Data Presentation, Abbreviations
A. Mythological and Related Belief Motifs
B. Animals
C. Tabu
D. Magic and Similar Supernatural Occurrences
E. The Dead
F. Marvels
G. Ogres and Satan
H. Tests
J. The Wise and the Foolish
K. Deceptions
L. Reversal of Fortune
M. Ordaining the Future
N. Chance and Fate
P. Society
Q. Rewards and Punishments
R. Captives and Fugitives
S. Unnatural Cruelty
T. Sex
U. The Nature of Life
V. Religion and Religious Services
W. Traits of Character
X. Humor
Z. Miscellaneous Groups of Motifs
Other References to Motifs
Titles of Tales according to Burton's Translation (Nos. 1-169)
Alphabetical Index of Motifs
Register of Tale-types
References to Tale-types
Appendix: Titles of Tales 170-262 in Burton's Translation
General Index
