Noor Inayat Khan

Noor Inayat Khan is best-known for her heroism as a clandestine Allied wireless radio operative in occupied France during World War II. In King Akbar's Daughter Noor's previously unpublished stories have been collected and are presented here in new English translations alongside her original French language versions and her known English renditions. Some of these stories are Noor's own creations while others are traditional myths, fables and legends retold in her own words and embroidered with her unique twists to best serve her purpose of teaching and inspiring with tales of chivalry, compassion, love, hope and wisdom.

These twenty tales have been drawn from famous legends concerning the former lives of the Buddha. Beloved by children and adults alike, they tell of people and animals moved to acts of sacrifice by the noble example of their fellow creatures. The flavor is often suggestive of Aesop, as are the lessons that are so subtly and keenly conveyed. Presented in a simplified narrative, the tales maintain the magical and timeless beauty of their Far Eastern origins. The stories are ideal for reading to children, as they tell of highly dramatic adventures that are resolved by non-violent and compassionate means. Challenging circumstances bring forth courage and the capacity to love, opening the way to solutions against seemingly impossible odds. This book will also be coveted for its exquisite illustrations by the well-known illustrator H. Willebeek Le Mair.