Contemporary Arabic literature : heritage and innovation / Reuven Snir.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Snir, R. (Reuven), author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Arabic literature--History and criticism.

Arabic literature--Foreign influences.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xv, 423 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Edinburgh : Edinburgh University Press, 2023.

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

This book examines the ways in which contemporary Arab authors communicate with two major sources of inspiration: the first, is the rich Arabic literary heritage whether it has been embodied in texts or concrete experiences, real or imaginary. The second are other cultures and literatures which have become sources for direct or indirect loans for Arabic literature. Both sources are essential for our understanding of the nature of contemporary Arabic literary works. The relationship between modern and medieval Arabic literature is indispensable; moreover, the literariness of any Arabic literary text cannot be isolated from the history of Arabic literature. Also, the role and function of Arabic literature, the nature of its literary criticism and scholarship, the relations between religious, political, and other activities within Arab culture and its literary production-all may be modelled in Arab culture in relation to other culture or cultures.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Technical Notes

Notes on Transliteration

Introduction

PART I Heritage, Myth, and Continuity

Chapter 1 Topos: Mundus Inversus

Chapter 2 Challenge: The al-Andalus Experience

Chapter 3 Glory: Baghdad in Verse

Chapter 4 Religion: “I Saw My God”

PART II East, West, and World Literature

Chapter 5 Self-image: Between “Decadence” and Renaissance

Chapter 6 Existentialism: The Frightened Mouse

Chapter 7 Reception: Stream of Consciousness

Chapter 8 Import: Science Fiction

Epilogue: Arabic Literature and World Literature

References

Index

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 26 Feb 2025).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781399503280

1399503286

9781399503273

1399503278

OCLC:

1373211813