Choice Outstanding Academic Title
In this text Kilito argues that genre - not authorship - is at the heart of classic Arabic literature. He examines love poetry and panegyric, the Prophet's Hadith and the literary anecdote, as well as such themes as memorization, plagiarism and forgery and the dream visions of the dead.
A splendidly translated exploration of major themes in classical Arabic literature by the most inventive and provocative critic of Arabic literature in the Middle East today. In this exceptional volume, Abedlfattah Kilito argues that genre - not authorship - is at the heart of classic Arabic literature. Using simple yet lyrical language, he examines love poetry and panegyric, the Prophet's Hadith and the literary anecdote, as well as such recurring themes as memorization, plagiarism and forgery, and dream visions of the dead. Ultimately, he evokes these as an allegory for post-colonial Arab North Africa. An elegant translation faithfully captures the author's poetic finesse and makes the book easily accessible to English-speaking readers. Warmly received by critics and anthropologists, this volume is a must for scholars, students, and devotees of Arab culture.
“Cooperson's is a bold translation. . . . This is the most important introduction to Arabic culture we have in any language, a book of riqor, intelligence, elegance, and uncanny charm.”
-- "Michael Beard, Co-editor of Edebiyat: The Journal of Middle Eastern Literatures"
ABDELFATTAH KILITO is the author of numerous books on Arab literature. His most recent works, translated into English, are Speaking to Princes: Al-Yusi and Mawlay Ismail, and In the Shadow of the Sultan. MICHAEL COOPERSON teaches at the University of California at Los Angeles and is the author of Classic Arabic Biography: The Heirs of the Prophets
This item is eligible for simple returns within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. See our returns policy for further details.
