Alf Laylah wa Laylah
or
The 1001 Nights
by Daniel Beaumont,
Assistant Professor
University of Rochester
This article is the introduction to Professor Beaumont's book-length study of the 1001 Nights, entitled "Slave of Desire" This article is posted without the permission of Professor Beaumont, who reserves all rights, and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without his written permission.
By the night when she hides with her veil,
By the day when he reveals,
By that which created male and female --
Truly your paths are varied!
-- Qur'ân, 92: 1-3.
Introduction
The Medieval 'Nights'
Narrative in Medieval Arabic Literature