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: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 03 July 2023
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

In this remarkable book, Abdulwāḥid Lulua takes us on a captivating journey through the poetic world of Buland Al-Ḥaidari, one of the pioneers of modern Arabic poetry. Spanning eighty poems, Lulua's translation and introduction offer English-speaking readers a profound and immersive experience into Al-Ḥaidari's rich tapestry of words.

Buland Al-Ḥaidari stands as a towering figure in the realm of modern Arabic poetry, a fourth pillar that supports the magnificent dome of this literary tradition. Alongside renowned contemporaries such as Nāzik al-Malā ika, Badre Shākir Al-Sayyāb, and 'Abdulwahhāb Al-Bayyāti, Al-Ḥaidari made significant contributions to the evolution of twentieth-century Arabic poetry. His pioneering work in abandoning the traditional use of two-hemistich verses in favor of what is known as the Arabic "free verse" form revolutionized the landscape of Arabic poetry.

While a few of Al-Ḥaidari's poems have been individually translated into English, a comprehensive book-length translation of his poetry had yet to be unveiled until now. In Buland Al-Ḥaidari and Modern Iraqi Poetry, Lulua steps forward to rectify this gap, presenting eighty of Al-Ḥaidari's most significant poems to the English-speaking world. Through his meticulous translation, Lulua grants us access to this vast and captivating corpus, allowing us to delve into the depths of Al-Ḥaidari's poetic imagination and witness the evolution of his style.

The journey through the translated pieces is a testament to the breadth and depth of Al-Ḥaidari's poetic prowess. From the youthful romanticism of his debut collection, Clay Throb (1946), to the detached pessimism of his Songs of the Dead City (1951), the reader is transported through a spectrum of emotions and perspectives. Selections from his later collections, including Steps in Exile (1965), The Journey of Yellow Letters (1968), and Songs of the Tired Guard (1977), further enrich our understanding of Al-Ḥaidari's artistic journey. These poems 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, capturing the essence of a time and place that shaped Al-Ḥaidari's artistic vision.

In addition to his literary contributions, Al-Ḥaidari's life story is intertwined with the rich tapestry of modern Arabic poetry. Born in Baghdad in 1913, he witnessed the political and social upheaval that marked the early twentieth century in the region. His poetry reflects the struggles and aspirations of his generation, capturing the essence of a nation in transition.

Lulua's introduction to Buland Al-Ḥaidari and Modern Iraqi Poetry provides a valuable perspective on the life and work of this influential poet. He sheds light on Al-Ḥaidari's background, influences, and the historical context that shaped his artistic journey. Lulua's insights not only enrich our understanding of Al-Ḥaidari's poetry but also offer a broader context for appreciating the development of modern Arabic poetry as a whole.

Buland Al-Ḥaidari and Modern Iraqi Poetry is a testament to the power of translation and the enduring legacy of great poets. Through Lulua's meticulous translation and insightful introduction, English-speaking readers are invited to explore the rich tapestry of Al-Ḥaidari's poetry and immerse themselves in the vibrant literary and poetic atmosphere of Baghdad and Iraq. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in the world of Arabic literature and its rich heritage.

In conclusion, Buland Al-Ḥaidari and Modern Iraqi Poetry is a remarkable achievement that brings the poetry of one of modern Arabic poetry's pioneers to a wider audience. Abdulwāḥid Lulua's translation and introduction offer a deep and immersive experience into Al-Ḥaidari's world, allowing us to appreciate the depth of his poetic imagination and the historical context that shaped his artistic journey. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in the world of Arabic literature and its rich heritage.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268205317