"The real impact they had was in the 18th Century when people read Galland's French translation, " he says.

BBC: Today

Ever since the translation by Antoine Galland in the 18th Century, authors and artists have been riveted by the tales.

BBC: Today

At the same hour I learned about the SCOTUS decision, I read a report by David Galland about the suffocation of liberty in Europe.

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"We're looking for New York to be a model, to encourage other states to jump into the game, " said Anna Galland, executive director of liberal activist group MoveOn.org.

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And then there is the imaginative inspiration that the stories have given children - although, as Mr Irwin points out, many of the most famous characters like Ali Baba are not to be found in the original, but in Galland's translation.

BBC: Today