Reviews: (by author)

Tenggren, Gustaf. Tenggren's Golden Tales from the Arabian Nights. Retold by Margaret Soifer and Irwin Shapiro. New York: Golden Books (Random House), 2003 (reissue of 1957 original). $19.95. ISBN 0-375-82636-X.

A reissue of one of Swedish-born Gustav Tenggren's books is a guaranteed opportunity to buy a work of art. There is so much energy, so much fluidity in Tenggren's design and layout, his use of patterns and details. Tenggren illustrated The Poky Little Puppy, The Saggy Baggy Elephant, a fine collection of King Arthur Tales recently reissued, and much more, including this gorgeous 1001 Nights. No matter what the story is—and he didn't do schlock—Tenggren brings to it, in addition to this artistry, a sense of humor. Each character is distinct and expressive. He does villains especially well. They, and his long-limbed, long-waisted, turban-wearing princes on their graceful horses and his lissome, almond-eyed ladies inhabit painted worlds –castles, forests, mountains, throne rooms –that delight the eye. Done in the style and glorious colors of Moghul art, the illustrations will engage the child's eye as the adult reads, or provide plenty to ponder for the older child.

Soifer and Shapiro tell the well-known stories well. Part of the world's cultural treasures, the stories in Tenggren's Golden Tales from the Arabian Nights, of Scheherazade and the misogynistic king, Sinbad, Aladdin, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, and much more are essential reading and very well presented in this outstanding book.

Highly recommended

Alida Allison, October 2003

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