This is a unique collection of tales from Iraq's folklore, presented in English for the Western reader. These tales are the product of centuries of colourful history, transmitted verbally often by highly skilled female story-tellers. This was a time when media, as we know it today, did not exist but the verbal tradition meant that the stories could be appreciated also by those who could not read or write. Groups, including women and children, would sit and listen, mesmerised, imagining the characters and events being portrayed.