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`"For," said he, "there never was nor is there one chaste woman upon the face of earth."'

A collection of Persian, Arabian and Indian tales dating from the 9th century, Sir Richard Burton's most well-known translation of Arabian Nights brings together ancient folklore and stories passed down from generation to generation.

Featuring tales about love, history, tragedy and comedy as well as fables and fairy tales, this edition remains a well-loved collection of exotic and evocative stories. Fantastical and curious customs are bought to life by Burton's translation in stories such as `The Lovers of Bassorah', `The Concubine of Al-Maamun' and `The Hunchback's Tale'.