An Introduction to Arabic Literature

by Roger Allen

Overview

Roger Allen provides a comprehensive introductory survey of literary texts in Arabic, from their unknown beginnings in the fifth century AD to the present day, and from Islam's sacred text, the Qur'an, to popular literature including The Arabian Nights and a wealth of poetry, narrative prose, drama and criticism. With extensive quotations in English translation, a chronology and a guide to further reading, this revised and abridged version of Allen's acclaimed study, The Arabic Literary Heritage (CUP 1998), provides an invaluable student introduction to a major non-Western literary tradition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521772303
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/13/2000
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.18(w) x 9.33(h) x 0.83(d)
Lexile:	1570L (what's this?)

Table of Contents

Preface; Note on translation, transliteration and further reading; Chronology; 1. An essay on precedents and principles; 2. The contexts of the literary tradition; 3. The Qur'an: sacred text and cultural yardstick; 4. Poetry; 5. Belletristic prose and narrative; 6. Drama; 7. The critical tradition; Guide to further reading; Index.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Especially useful are the chronology of historical and literary events and the guide to further reading...Recommended for university and college libraries supporting the study of Arabic literature at all levels." Choice

"Roger Allen provides a comprehensive and detailed introduction to the Arabic literary heritage...The strength of this book is its ability to introduce the pivotal text and themes of an entire tradition. Indeed, Allen's presentation of the classical tradition, what might be considered the text's major achievement, provides reliable, concise and dense analyses and interpretations. The sheer breadth and range of Allen's work make it a valuable and important contribution." Arab Studies Journal

"an admirable treatment of the subject, an up-to-date command of the scholarly research, and innovative insights into the material....a gem of a book indeed." World Literature Today

Editorial Reviews

"Especially useful are the chronology of historical and literary events and the guide to further reading...Recommended for university and college libraries supporting the study of Arabic literature at all levels." Choice

"Roger Allen provides a comprehensive and detailed introduction to the Arabic literary heritage...The strength of this book is its ability to introduce the pivotal text and themes of an entire tradition. Indeed, Allen's presentation of the classical tradition, what might be considered the text's major achievement, provides reliable, concise and dense analyses and interpretations. The sheer breadth and range of Allen's work make it a valuable and important contribution." Arab Studies Journal

"an admirable treatment of the subject, an up-to-date command of the scholarly research, and innovative insights into the material....a gem of a book indeed." World Literature Today

From the Publisher