Clever Hasan -- Rummana -- Qamar al-Zamaan and Shams al-Dunya -- Nani, daughter of Nani -- Jubaybani -- The shrieking nightingale -- Sitt al-Boudour from beyond the seven seas -- Amina -- Women's wiles beat men's wiles -- Mine to use, as I choose -- The Fawwal's daughter -- Marzouq the wood cutter -- Hassan al-Waqqad -- The black goat -- Hajji Brumbock -- The poor cousin -- Sons of the wealthy, daughters of the poor -- The most eligible bachelor -- Abu Jmeel's daughter -- The cat of cats -- Never betray the one who trusts you -- The patient woman and the peevish prince -- The midwife's daughter and the bandit -- Prince Naas -- Aunt Zaynab -- The tailor's daughter -- The golden shoe.

Rich in cultural significance, each title in this bestselling series includes a collection of 20 to 30 tales together with an introduction and a historical overview that give the reader compelling insights into the culture, the folk literature, and the lives of the people in the region.

These 27 traditional folk stories were written down, shortly before her death, by Jamal Sleem, who had recounted them to the children of her extended family over many years. Authentically Arab in their themes, yet timelessly universal, they are sometimes magical, sometimes naturalistic, and combine a wealth of vivid detail with elements of pathos and humor. Translated by family members of various generations, then expertly edited, the book is a precious store of the kind of tale endlessly cherished but in danger of disappearing.