Buland Al-Haidari and Modern Iraqi Poetry: Selected Poems

Buland Al-Ḥaidari is one of the pioneers of modern Arabic poetry. This book translates and introduces eighty of his most important poems, giving English-speaking readers access to his rich corpus. The translated pieces showcase the development of his style and paint a vivid picture of the literary and poetic atmosphere in Baghdad and Iraq from the mid-1940s to the close of the twentieth century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

Buland Al-Ḥaidari is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern Arabic poetry. Alongside his renowned contemporaries Nāzik al-Malā ika, Badre Shākir Al-Sayyāb, and 'Abdulwahhāb Al-Bayyāti, Al-Ḥaidari played a significant role in shaping the development of twentieth-century Arabic poetry. Notably, he departed from the traditional use of two-hemistich verses in favor of what is known as the Arabic "free verse" form. While a few of Al-Ḥaidari's poems have been translated into English individually, a comprehensive translation of his poetry has yet to be published.

In Buland Al-Ḥaidari and Modern Iraqi Poetry, 'Abdulwāḥid Lulua presents eighty of Al-Ḥaidari's most significant poems, offering English-speaking readers an invaluable access to this rich literary heritage. Lulua's insightful introduction provides a comprehensive account of Al-Ḥaidari's life and situates his work within the broader context of modern Arabic poetry. Through the translated selections, readers are able to appreciate the depth of Al-Ḥaidari's poetic imagination and witness the evolution of his style, spanning from the youthful romanticism of his debut collection Clay Throb (1946) to the detached pessimism of his Songs of the Dead City (1951). Selections from his later collections, including Steps in Exile (1965), The Journey of Yellow Letters (1968), and Songs of the Tired Guard (1977), are also included, offering a vivid portrayal of the literary and poetic atmosphere in Baghdad and Iraq from the mid-1940s to the close of the twentieth century.

Buland Al-Ḥaidari's contributions to modern Arabic poetry are immense. His innovative use of the "free verse" form challenged traditional poetic conventions and opened up new possibilities for expression. His poems, characterized by their vivid imagery, powerful emotions, and social commentary, resonated with readers across the Arab world and beyond. His influence can be seen in the works of countless contemporary poets, who have sought to emulate his style and explore new poetic territories.

In conclusion, Buland Al-Ḥaidari's poetry is a testament to the power of words and the enduring legacy of Arabic literature. Through the meticulous translation of 'Abdulwāḥid Lulua, English-speaking readers are now able to appreciate the richness and depth of Al-Ḥaidari's work, gaining a deeper understanding of his contribution to modern Arabic poetry and the broader cultural landscape of the Arab world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268205300