New Arabian Nights

First published in book form in 1882, 'New Arabian Nights' was Stevenson's first published fiction and is considered by some critics to be his best work. Previously published in magazines between 1877 and 1880, the collection loosely draws on the tales of the '1001 Arabian Nights' for inspiration. There are several batches of linked stories, including the darkly humorous series featuring 'The Suicide Club', a society composed of members so disillusioned with life that they have devised a ritual whereby one member can be chosen at random to assassinate another. Another sequence features the physically attractive but practically ineffectual Harry Hartley. Witty, inventive, and imbued with all the narrative skill and force of Stevenson's better-known work, these stories are a real delight for any lover of fine writing and storytelling.