Abundance from the desert : classical Arabic poetry / Raymond Farrin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Farrin, Raymond.

Series:

Middle East literature in translation.

Middle East literature in translation

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Arabic poetry--To 622--History and criticism.

Arabic poetry.

Arabic poetry--622-750--History and criticism.

Arabic poetry--750-1258--History and criticism.

Arabic poetry--1258-1800--History and criticism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (387 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Syracuse, N.Y. : Syracuse University Press, 2011.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Abundance from the Desert provides a comprehensive introduction to classical Arabic poetry, one of the richest of poetic traditions. Covering the period roughly of 500-1250 c.e., it features original translations and illuminating discussions of a number of major classical Arabic poems from a variety of genres. The poems are presented chronologically, each situated within a specific historical and literary context. Together, the selected poems suggest the range and depth of classical Arabic poetic expression; read in sequence, they suggest the gradual evolution of a tradition. Moving beyond a mere chronicle, Farrin outlines a new approach to appreciating classical Arabic poetry based on an awareness of concentric symmetry, in which the poem's unity is viewed not as a linear progression but as an elaborate symmetrical plot. In doing so, the author presents these works in a broader, comparative light, revealing connections with other literatures. The reader is invited to examine these classical Arabic works not as isolated phenomena-notwithstanding their uniqueness and their association with a discrete tradition-but rather as part of a great multicultural heritage. This pioneering book marks an important step forward in the study of Arabic poetry. At the same time, it opens the door to this rich tradition for the general reader.

Contents:

Triumph of Imru' Al-Qays

An outcast replies

Price of glory

Making the remembrance dear

Martyr to love

Flyting

Pleasure in transgression

Poetics of persuasion

Would-be prophet

Letter to a princess

Season's greetings

Ecstasy

To Egypt with love.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780815650959

0815650957

OCLC:

785782980