Abundance from the Desert: Classical Arabic Poetry (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780815632221)

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.

Author: Raymond Farrin
ISBN-10: 0815632223
ISBN-13: 9780815632221
Publisher: Syracuse University Press
Language: English
Published: 03/31/2011
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.49lbs
Size: 9.28h x 6.45w x 1.14d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 08/01/2011
Reference and Research Bk News 08/01/2011 pg. 177