Classical Arabic Literature: A Library of Arabic Literature Anthology [Hardcover]

A major translation achievement, this anthology presents a rich assortment of classical Arabic poems and literary prose from pre-Islamic times until the eighteenth century, with short introductions to guide non-specialist students and informative end notes and bibliography for advanced scholars. Both entertaining and informative,Classical Arabic Literatureranges from the early Bedouin poems with their evocation of desert life to refined urban lyrical verse, from tender love poetry to sonorous eulogy and vicious lampoon, and from the heights of mystical rapture to the frivolity of comic verse. Prose selections include anecdotes, entertaining or edifying tales and parables, a fairy-tale, a bawdy story, samples of literary criticism, and much more.

With this anthology, distinguished Arabist Geert Jan van Gelder brings together well-known texts as well as less familiar pieces new even to scholars.Classical Arabic Literaturereveals the rich variety of pre-modern Arabic social and cultural life, where secular texts flourished alongside religious ones. This masterful anthology introduces this vibrant literary heritageincluding pieces translated into English for the first timeto a wide spectrum of new readers.

An English-only edition.

Ranges over more than seven centuries, and flows with surprises and delights, aching love poems and weird, cruel fables, and Thomas Browneian reflections on the nature of flies, or the relations between mystics and elephants, all beguilingly rendered and scrupulously commented. Van Gelder's translations are pleasant and clear, which is no small feat, especially with poetry. . . . A work that will be enjoyed by many scholars and lay readers. The perfect collection to launch the Library of Arabic Literature . . . of interest to the scholar, the student, and the general reader. Its coverage is excellent, both in terms of historical sweep and generic variety. The translations of this volume are a marvel, andlÃu