Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

In the book "Arabian Nights" we find magic surrounding us and events are always unexpected when other worlds and fantasies are revealed.
 

An example of this is in the “Tale of the Fisherman and the Genie.” The poor fisherman cast his net into the sea for the fourth and last time, the weight of the net was so great that he was unable to haul it. When at last he pulled it to land, he found that it contained a brazen vessel, its mouth closed with a leaden stopper, bearing upon it the seal of King Solomon. He thought that the vessel wound be sold for ten dinars, enough to fulfill his needs.

 

Great was his astonishment when nothing but smoke came out of it. The smoke rose in a thick, black column and spread like a mist between earth and sky until, drawing together, it took form. There in its midst stood a mighty Genie.

 

Every now and then we expect "Arabian Nights" to be attacked through organized campaigns, with the aim of banning it. However, the book will always rise above these criticisms.

 

It is important to detect and expose the foolishness of those who call for banning the "Arabian Nights," or trimming it. It is also necessary to stress how strong the relationship is between this piece of art and its lovers and admirers.

 

It is equally important to wonder whether "Arabian Nights" editions are available in university' libraries for borrowing, and are students being encouraged to read and study it?