Tales from the Maghreb

"A poem is never finished-it only passes from one voice to the next."

Journey to the land where the Atlas Mountains meet the sky and the Sahara stretches to the edge of memory. In this enchanting and modernized collection, Masinissa Azrou breathes new life into the timeless oral traditions of North Africa, from the rugged coastlines of Morocco to the ancient cities of Algeria and Tunisia.

Modernized from the landmark 1901 collection by René Basset, Tales from the Maghreb is a definitive anthology of North African folklore for contemporary readers. These are stories that have been whispered in village squares and sung by grandmothers for centuries-tales of trickster jackals, powerful Jinn, cunning thieves, and heroes seeking the Apple of Youth.

While the language has been smoothed and clarified for a modern audience, the heart of the Maghreb remains: the magic is dark, the humor is dry, and the morals are as sharp as a desert blade. Whether you are a fan of world mythology, the Arabian Nights, or looking for a unique cultural gift, this volume offers a portal into a world where beasts speak, gardens are haunted, and wisdom is found in the most unlikely places.

Inside this collection of wonder and wit, you'll discover:

• Tales of Wonder: Encounter the King of the Jinn, haunted gardens, and the magical quest for the Apple of Youth.

• Tales of Cunning: Marvel at the wit of Ali and Ou Ali, and learn how the small and the clever outsmart the powerful and the proud.

• Beasts of the Maghreb: Enter a fabled kingdom where the Hedgehog, the Jackal, and the Lion engage in a never-ending battle of instincts and intellect.

• Heroes and Romances: Epic adventures of love and valor that bridge the gap between the earthly and the divine.

• Timeless Wisdom: Ancient proverbs and songs that capture the soul of the Maghreb-a land where every story belongs to whoever tells it.

Rediscover the magic of the oral tradition. The desert is calling.