From the Preface--Established in 1800 with a small collection of books that served the Secretary of the Navy, the [Navy Department Library] holds the most comprehensive collection of U.S. navy literature. For the past two hundred years, it has collected the books, documents, journals, and manuscripts the record the Navy's achievement in combat, international diplomacy, exploration, technological development, medicine, education, and social reform. This literature described in the catalog chronicles the more significant events, customs and traditions, organizations, and personalities in navel history, providing insight into the origins and development of Navy doctrine.

"Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" is a folk tale from One Thousand and One Nights. It was included in the collection in the 18th century by its French translator Antoine Galland. The latter reported he heard those stories from Syrian storyteller Hanna Diyab. According to the plot, Ali Baba is a poor woodcutter who discovers the secret of a thieves' den and opens it with the magic phrase "Open Sesame." The thieves try to kill Ali Baba, and he has saved his life, protected his family, and overcame many challenges.

"Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" is a folk tale from One Thousand and One Nights. It was included in the collection in the 18th century by its French translator Antoine Galland. The latter reported he heard those stories from Syrian storyteller Hanna Diyab. According to the plot, Ali Baba is a poor woodcutter who discovers the secret of a thieves' den and opens it with the magic phrase "Open Sesame." The thieves try to kill Ali Baba, and he has saved his life, protected his family, and overcame many challenges.