THE STORY OF ALADDIN

The choice and use of words is becomingly archaic, the rhythms supple, the plotting full but tight -- this is at once the most faithful single-volume version (see also Katherine Lines' terminal note) and an ideal one for reading aloud or retelling. And, being a picture-storybook, it invites perusal, although the illustrations, alternately in color and blue-and-white, lack firmness in line and form. Overall then neither musty nor flamboyant -- just a good story handled with respect.