An Anthology of Modern Arabic Poetry

The first bilingual anthology of contemporary Arabic poetry in English presents a selection of works from three generations of poets, emphasizing poetic quality and the expression of individual experience. The anthology includes English translations of poems by numerous contemporary poets and is intended for students of Arabic literature and a wider readership with general poetic and literary interests.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

This bilingual anthology represents the first significant effort to present a comprehensive collection of contemporary Arabic poetry in the English language. It serves as a valuable introduction for English-speaking readers to the modern evolution of one of the world's most prominent poetic traditions, while also providing insights into the contemporary cultural landscape of the Arab peoples.

In the realm of English translations of Arabic poetry, there has been a tendency towards achieving geographical representation at the expense of prioritizing the Neo-Classicist school of thought. However, the present anthology takes a different approach, placing poetic quality as the paramount criterion for selection. It demonstrates an explicit interest in the works of free verse poets, showcasing three successive generations: the Syro-Americans, the Egyptian modernists, and the poets of the free-verse movement. These generations are interconnected by a progressive shift from an exclusive focus on form to an emphasis on content and form, resulting in a relatively detached portrayal of the external world that gradually evolves into a concern with the expression of individual experiences.

Within the pages of this anthology, numerous contemporary poets make their debut in English, with some of them specifically contributing pieces for this collection. The bilingual nature of the anthology is intended to make it suitable for use by students of Arabic literature, while also appealing to a broader readership with a general interest in poetry and literature. An essential consideration in assembling the anthology was the viability of a poem in its English translation as a standalone piece of literature, as well as the excellence of its Arabic original. By successfully adhering to this criterion, the anthology promises to provide immense aesthetic pleasure.

Furthermore, this work holds significant interest for students of comparative literature, as it showcases the profound influence of several Western literary traditions on modern Arab letters. The anthology serves as a testament to the dynamic interplay between different cultures and languages, highlighting the rich and diverse literary heritage that has emerged as a result of this interaction.

In conclusion, this bilingual anthology represents a groundbreaking endeavor in bringing contemporary Arabic poetry to the English-speaking world. By presenting a diverse range of voices and styles, it offers a valuable glimpse into the rich and evolving poetic tradition of the Arab world. Through its emphasis on poetic quality and its commitment to showcasing the diversity of contemporary Arabic poetry, this anthology is sure to captivate readers of all backgrounds and interests.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520307520