Warner explores the legacy of perhaps the greatest female literary hero of all time, Shahrazad, a woman who reportedly saves herself from a murderous king through the astoundingly creative feat of presenting an enchanting story every evening for a “Thousand and One Nights.” Actually, she saves perhaps hundreds of other women as well, because she volunteers to marry a king who has vowed to kill all his brides after their wedding nights, and she manages to stop him by the power of words alone. In spinning her tales night after night, she casts a spell like a snake charmer, giving him the kinds of stories he enjoys—of strong men, magical marvels, and women who play temptress. But she also weaves in tales of female heroes, as Warner reports:
"Her stories will gradually introduce maltreated wives, subjugated daughters, faithful female lovers, clever and courageous slavegirls, … loving mothers, intelligent teachers, loyal sisters and devoted peris or fairies in an increasingly shining procession of women: refracting the virtues of the storyteller herself … —but not so undilutedly or obviously that her purpose shows too much." (p. 4)
The Thousand and One Nights draws on a sea of pre-existing legends, from lands stretching from Egypt to China. Shahrazad reportedly had a library of a thousand books, knew all their stories, and wove them together like a classic bard. The tyrant who reportedly commands her love while threatening her life is a typical ancient warlord, who assumes that mercy is weakness. In countering his murderous egotism, she wields the power of myth and the beauty of empathy. It's a powerful book, despite being extraordinarily long and detailed.