Types of the Folktale in the Arab World is an index and preliminaryanalysis of folktales told by the diverse ethnic groups that populate what iscommonly called "the Arab World." It is also a comprehensive andinterdisciplinary guide to tales told in related cultural spheres, from sub-SaharanAfrica to Turkey and beyond. A folktale's emergence, spread, stability, change, continued presence, or disappearance among certain social groups depends on specificpsychological, social, and cultural forces. While Hasan El-Shamy has adopted thefamiliar tale-type classification system employed by Antti Aarne and Stith Thompson, he also seeks to remedy the Eurocentric shortcomings of their system by addressingfolklore as behavior, striving to bring the psychosocial foundation for the Arabrenditions to this comprehensive and inclusive index. Types of the Folktale in theArab World is destined to become an indispensable reference work for all who areinterested in Arab culture and the folktale.