Note: The rating of this book has been the cause of some controversy between the various reviewers, mainly due to different beliefs between Christians in the view of Islam. The question, of course, is how the CGF can rate fairy tales from an Islamic culture as morally "good." Are not the tales, by their very place of birth, dangerous if not offensive to the Christian? The answer: not universally.

Consider this: we're all familiar with the Cinderella story. In fact, the version we most frequently recount to our children is based upon a 17th century retelling and expansion. However, scholars place the roots of the Cinderella story in B.C. China, from whence it spread westward. Take a look at any culture, and you're bound to find some version of that story - "Cupid and Psyche," "Little One Eye, Little Two Eye and Little Three Eye," "Ashputtle," "Fair, Brown and Trembling," and even a version in Arabian Nights. Now, granted, there are essential differences between the stories - in lieu of fairy godmothers we have magic wishing fish, goats, horses, etc. Some versions split and recombine with other stories we know well, such as the postlogue events, i.e., what do the ugly sisters do to make Cinderella's life a living hell? This postlogue, shedding the sisters and placing the blame on the prince, transforming the fairy godmother into a gingerbread dwarf, and managing to save the baby endangered by the sisters in the previous interim story, turns into Rumplestilskin, or, if you've three fairy godmothers, another story, or, if you've....

You get the point. Fairy tales are rather like patchwork quilts, with bits of this and that more famous story stitched into lesser known stories the world over. Incidentals may change, such as place setting depending on culture, descriptions of ultimate beauty, and even to whom the Ultimate Praise must go - to ancestors, to fate, to deities, to Allah, to God. However the moral of the story remains fundamentally the same. At the end of the day, Cinderella is rewarded for her persistence. The last is made first. At the end of the day, those who give into vice, including envy, greed, anger, etc., get their comeuppance.

Why? How can this be? How can those who are not Christian have any sort of idea of morals? Tell me, please, that these good lessons are only added in modern translations, at least! Sorry, no can do. Take a look at what Paul says in Acts 14:8-20, where he speaks at Lystra. Recall that they heal a crippled men, and the bystanders begin claiming Paul and Barnabus as gods. But Paul rebukes them, saying:

"Men, why are you doing this? We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God, 'who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.' In past generations He allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways; yet, in bestowing His goodness, He did not leave Himself without witnesses, for He gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filled you with nourishment and gladness for your hearts." Acts 14:15-18 (NAB)

The primary point is that God has instilled innate knowledge of Himself and His goodness and basic moral tenants within every man, and hence every culture, whether that man or culture recognises that God-shaped hole within him. Not having full knowledge, as we Christians reckon it, of Who placed the knowledge of His existence, and of right and wrong within them, the author(s) attributed the good morals to Allah, as they name and understand God. The basic story and moral, though, has not changed. Thus the Arabian Nights are morally Good, and worthy of reading by old and young alike.

For your benefit below is offered both the original short review of the CGF, and a new, lengthier review. If you are interested in further discussion, please visit the thread. However, do not post if you have not yet READ THIS. Thanks! Top

Although primarily a collection of Muslim, and some far Eastern legends, 1001 Arabian Night (variously attributed) is another classic with which to delight an mystify the young mind. For a sense of wonder, there are no better story-tellers than those of the East and the Orient!

1001 Arabian Nights

Literary Quality:
Christian Morality: Good
Age Appropriateness: Child/Pre-Teen

Including such tales as "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," and "Aladdin," this book is an excellent collection of fairy tales. The source is primarily Muslim, etc., but the general morality is very good. Like all fairy tales, there are a few which are grisly, including the frame story of Sheherezade who must tell a story a night in order to win her life in the day from the disgruntled Shah. And, yes, there really are 1001 tales. Top

And another view from Reviewer Richard/Godly Gadfly:

DAWOOD, N.J. Aladdin and Other Tales from The Arabian Nights

Eastern stories that have captured the Western imagination!

Literary Quality:
Christian Morality: Harmless/Dangerous
Age Appropriateness: Pre-Teen

The Tales from the Arabian Nights are ancient stories of romance, suspense, mystery, magic and adventure originating from Persia, India and Arabia, originally functioning as the daily entertainment of ordinary people. They are woven together under the premise that they saved the life of Shahrazad, a queen whose husband executed each of his new wives after one night of marriage. By beginning an exciting story every evening, but withholding the ending, Shahrazad was able to convince the breathless king to spare her for another day until the next installment. Of course, after 1001 nights of devious story-telling, she had saved her life forever.

First introduced to the Western world in the eighteenth century, these stories have attained great popularity, and been retold many times, with "Aladdin" even being made into a Disney film. This collection features only a small selection of the best and most popular tales. Unlike many editions, it doesn’t reflect the contemporary versions of the stories, but seeks to be faithful to the authentic Arabic sources. N.J. Dawood is well-equipped to retell these stories from the original Arabic. Born in Baghdad, Dawood attained a reputation as a scholar and received a university education in London. Amongst other projects he has translated "The Koran" and a complete collection of "Tales from the Thousand and One Nights."

Because this version intends to be faithful to the original Arabic, readers should not expect a sanitized Western interpretation. If you are looking for a fresh style that brings these stories to life for children in a modern Western audience, this is likely not the edition for you. These stories are unashamedly Arabic in character, and the religious aspect (Islam) is dominant throughout, where health and wealth, wine and women are bestowed as the blessing of Allah for obedience. But despite this, these stories continue to capture the Western imagination. Expect to read stories about powerful genies (jinees), magical lamps, talking animals, distant voyages, and impossible adventures.

This volume (a companion to "Sinbad the Sailor and Other Tales from The Arabian Nights") contains the well-known stories of "Aladdin", and "The Ebony Horse". Also represented are the lesser-known but equally fascinating "Khalifah the Fisherman" and "The Dream". A great opportunity to read stories that have stood the test of time in another culture - these are classics, and make a good introduction to the original cultural flavour of "Tales from the Arabian Nights"! Top