I was so excited to hear about this new translation, especially with the current recircling of Aladdin in the media. One of my favorite parts about the book was the Introduction, which explained the importance of the history of One Thousand and One Nights, and how important it is to understand the adaptations and hands that have been on the story throughout. The actual retelling and translation was well done, the language true to its French and Arabic origin. It felt old but accessible, and I appreciated that it wasn't as offensive as some versions of the stories. As a Middle Eastern person, I appreciated reading the story even though I could point out the faults in its original 19th century form. Yasmine Seale did a wonderful job balancing this, and hope others do too.

A fresh new translation of an old tale! If all you know is the Disney version of Aladdin, do yourself a favor and read this book. It's much more fun! I don't know if I'd recommend it for younger children, not that I think this edition is intended for kids, but some people will only look at the title and think it must be for children. It gets a bit dark in spots, but that just makes it better. Even the introduction, which, honestly, I normally would skim through, was interesting, telling the history of the Aladdin stories and how they came to be included in Thousand and One Nights in the 18th century. The translator, Yasmine Seale, is working on a translation of The Arabian Nights which will be released in stages and will include the Aladdin stories, but Paulo Lemos Horta, the editor and author of the introduction, encouraged Seale to release Aladdin in advance, since there aren't really any stand alone versions available except children's versions. Recommended for lovers of fairy tales and folklore!

An entertaining translation of a classic fairly tale. If you're anticipating a lengthy retelling of the original story you've come to the wrong place, but if you want to hear the tale in it's generally original form, I can't imagine doing much better than this version. Seale and Horta do an admirable job of making a very old story entertaining for modern audiences and while it wasn't as engaging as a novel length retelling might have been, it still earns a place on the shelves of any fairy tale enthusiast!

A very interesting translation of a classic. I will definitely recommend this to our patrons and friends alike. And get this for our library.

An excellent focus piece for those looking to expand on the Disney version of their Aladdin knowledge. The translation is highly readable and maintains a sense of dignity and solemnity appropriate for the larger context of the frame tale in 1001 Nights. At the same time, there is no loss of magic and wonder with scenes of great riches, great danger, and at least the hope of a happily ever after. Appropriate for both scholars of world literature and everyday readers of fantasy/folklore, Aladdin: A New Translation will be a worthwhile addition to any collection.

Aladdin is one of my favourite stories from One Thousand and One Nights and I also love the Disney version so I loved being able to read a version of the story which I'd never heard of before. There are quite a few elements which differ from the story most readers would be familiar with so it had lots of new material.

Seales version of Aladdin reveals a lot more about Aladdins back story and offers a different take on his origin story. The book is a lot darker than the Disney version, so it's more suited to a Teen or Adult audience.

The writing style is so beautiful honestly, and poetic in a way which really suits the story. You can picture Scheherazade spinning this magical tale, with such rich description and plenty of twists and turns.

Overall, the story was both engaging and offered a unique retelling of Aladdin, I think there's something for new and old fans alike.

I'll admit that before this, the only Aladdin tale I was familiar with was from the Disney movie. This story was definitely a different Aladdin than the one I knew and it made for a very interesting read. It was an enjoyable, if short, read. I can definitely see myself purchasing this title for my university's library for students to read and study. The introduction at the beginning, explaining the origins of the tale, was well-written and a great addition.