Aladdin and the Magic Lamp

Classic Treasury 1 The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales

by John Patience (Retold by)

Illustrated by the author John Patience, who retells the story of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, the Middle-Eastern folk tale. The original author is unknown but it is traditionally included in 'The Book of One Thousand and One Nights' better known as 'The Arabian Nights'.

This is not strictly true because Aladdin was added later by the Frenchman Antoine Galland and was based on a folk tale that he had heard from the Syrian storyteller Hanna Diyab.

It was prepared for publication in the winter of 1709/10 but appeared in volumes IX and X of the 'Nights' in 1710.

Genres: Childrens

20 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1988

About the author

John Patience was born in Lancashire, England, in 1949 and trained in typography and book design at the Harris College in Preston, Lancashire. After college, he worked briefly as a designer for a couple of publishers in London, England but he really wanted to have his own children's books published. He did various jobs to earn a living, whilst writing and developing his skills as an illustrator.

John's first self-authored illustrated children's book was published in 1980 - 'The Seasons in Fern Hollow'. Over the next few years this grew into four further series called 'Tales from Fern Hollow', eventually totalling 17 titles.

Since then John has had more than 100 titles published in many countries around the world and translated into many languages. He has written, designed and illustrated both "flat" books and pop-up books.

He lives with his wife in rural France and as well as his writing and illustrating he enjoys producing digital sculptures.

Reviews

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Patience retells the story of 'Aladdin & The Magic Lamp', a Middle-Eastern folk tale that was associated with 'The Thousand and One Nights', more often known as 'The Arabian Nights'. However, this is not strictly true because it was not part of the original text. The Aladdin tale was added by the Frenchman Antoine Galland and the story was based on a folk tale that he had apparently heard from the Syrian storyteller Hanna Diyab. He prepared it for publication, according to his diary, in the winter of 1709/10 and it first appeared in volumes IX and X of the 'Nights' in 1710.

John Patience remains true to its roots, as Aladdin living in China with his mother, wants to better himself and his family so when he gets the offer of finding some jewels and an old lamp in a cave from the wicked Abenazer, he jumps at the chance. But things do not go according to plan and Aladdin finds himself trapped in the cave as Abenazer departs, thwarted by Aladdin's not giving him the lamp that he wanted.

There follows all the antics of the magic lamp, including Aladdin's wife and the castle in which they live being transported to the other side of the world. Fortunately Aladdin is able to rectify matters and settle up with Abenazer so that he and his princess can live happily ever after.

The tale is colourfully illustrated by the author.

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nicely written and illustrated book of the traditional story of Aladdin. A very nice story time book read.

[Vayda Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful. The colors and the style are breathtaking. A wonderful rendition of an old favorite.

[Bilqis Nabila · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a simple story line and a very good illustration. Love it!

[Jasmine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wtf did I just read.

[Andrew Ives · Rating 4 out of 5]

(1988 edition) The illustrations in this book are drawn wonderfully well, very colourful and imaginative. The story itself however is very short and slight, albeit perfectly well-written. Consequently, Aladdin only lasts for a few pages and in hardly any time at all, it's all over. 5/5 for the illustrations, 3/5 for the story, so 4/5 total.