Rating a classic is tough. On one hand, it should be viewed in its historical context. On the other, to be truly valuable to a modern reader, it should also relate to the present in some way. There’s a lot of value in the Tale of Tales—the sheer amount of allegories used for the motions of the Sun across the sky alone makes it a baroque masterpiece. But then, there are the usual bitter pills to swallow—romanticization of rape, and blatant, passionate racism. Pretty much like the Arabian Nights, total immersion is impossible. But there’s enough beauty in here worth salvaging.