I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Editor Albert Seligman shares The Arabian Nights stories and amazing artwork from the Golden and Victorian ages in the book “ARABIAN NIGHTS ILLUSTRATED 1800-1950: BOOKS FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF ILLUSTRATION.”

The Synopsis

This is a guided tour of the illustrated editions of ‘The Arabian Nights’, also called ‘The Thousand and One Nights’, published in England and America between 1800 and 1950. It begins with one of the earliest editions illustrated in 1802 by English artist Robert Smirke, who painted especially for inclusion in books. Following are the earliest attempts to print color plates, made from tin or copper, through the beginnings of wood blocks and photographic reproduction.

Featured are the most famous artists and illustrators of the Victorian and Golden Age, including John Gilbert, famous for his Dickens illustrations, William Harvey who engraved the woodblocks by hand, FOC Darley, the first American Brandywine illustrator and Walter Crane, whose his full- color woodblocks date the beginning of the Golden Age illustrators.

Modern 20th century editions include Edmund Dulac, Arthur Rackham, Kay Nielsen, Willy Pogany, Maxfield Parrish, the three Robinson brothers; William Heath, Thomas Heath and Charles, René Bull, Charles Folkard, Gustave Doré, Frances Brundage, JD Batten, William Strang, HJ Ford, George Soper, Helen Stratton, Walter Paget, Virginia F Sterrett, Eric Pape, Thomas Mackenzie and many others.

The illustrated stories include are ‘Aladdin, and the Wonderful Lamp’, ‘Sinbad the Sailor’, ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’, ‘The Enchanted Horse’, ‘Prince Ahmed and the Fairy Peri Banou, and many other favorites of the 1001 tales.

The Review

This was such a great replication of the classic Arabian Nights story. The collection of stories was perfectly reprinted and showcased the magic and lessons each story was meant to evoke in the reader. The favorites I always gravitate towards, “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” and “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” not only entertained and wowed readers but also featured powerful, eye-catching artwork that perfectly brought this collection of stories to life.

What always stands out in these amazing reprint editions of classic stories is the rich history they delve into. The exploration of the various styles of artwork, the artists behind them, and the ways they were printed was unique to the book and kept the reader invested in this classic tale. One such point in history was the story of Sir John Gilbert, who went from an artist who never attended art school to having his work displayed at the Society of British Artists and later being knighted, making his story so remarkable and enthralling to get lost in. His artwork was very reminiscent of the tone and quality of the Victorian age, and made for an engaging read.

The Verdict

An insightful, entertaining, and compelling read, “ARABIAN NIGHTS ILLUSTRATED 1800-1950: BOOKS FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF ILLUSTRATION” is a must-read reprinting of the iconic Arabian Nights collection. The history and insight into the printing technology and art styles these works represent, and the way they elevate the already powerful stories they tell, made the entire book highly valuable and engaging. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10