The Arabian Nights Value Guide

Late 19th-century editions of The Arabian Nights are highly sought after for their intricate bindings and historical significance as a bridge between Eastern and Western literature. These volumes often feature the famous frame story of Scheherazade and may include the influential 1885 translation by Sir Richard Burton.

What Is The Arabian Nights Worth?

The typical price range for The Arabian Nights is $100 - $150 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The condition of the leather or cloth binding, specifically looking for spine wear or gilding loss.
• The presence and quality of internal illustrations, which significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal for collectors.
• The specific edition and translator, with Burton's 1885 version often commanding higher interest.
• Completeness of the volume, including all pages and any original frontispiece or maps.

How to Identify The Arabian Nights?

• Check for publication dates between 1880 and 1899 to confirm the late 19th-century era.
• Look for the translator's name, such as Sir Richard Burton or Andrew Lang, which were prominent during this period.
• Examine the binding for period-accurate materials like embossed cloth or gold-tooled leather common in Victorian bookmaking.
• Verify the presence of specific illustrations or woodcuts typical of late 19th-century printing techniques.

History of The Arabian Nights

Also known as 'One Thousand and One Nights', this collection of stories originated from the Middle East and South Asia. The tales were compiled over many centuries by various authors, translators, and scholars across West, Central, South Asia and North Africa. The core of the collection is a single frame story about a Persian king and his new bride, Scheherazade, who tells him a tale each night to delay her execution. The earliest surviving manuscript dates to the 9th century, but the tales themselves are much older. Sir Richard Burton's translation from 1885 is one of the most famous English versions.