Poetic Justice: An Anthology of Contemporary Moroccan Poetry

Poetic Justice is the first anthology of contemporary Moroccan poetry in English, featuring work written in Moroccan Arabic, classical Arabic, French, and Tamazight by poets who began writing after Moroccan independence in 1956. The book highlights the power of literature to shape the cultural and moral imagination and demonstrates how Moroccan poets have written their ethics, aesthetics, and gendered and political lives into poetic being.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2020
Publisher: University of Texas Press

Poetic Justice: An Anthology of Contemporary Moroccan Poetry in English

Poetic Justice is a groundbreaking anthology that presents a comprehensive collection of contemporary Moroccan poetry in English. This remarkable work is primarily composed of poets who began their literary journey after the historic achievement of Moroccan independence in 1956. The anthology encompasses a diverse range of poetic styles, including Moroccan Arabic (darija), classical Arabic, French, and Tamazight.

The significance of Poetic Justice lies in its ability to showcase the rich and diverse tapestry of Moroccan poetry. Moroccan poetry, particularly the zajal, an oral poetry tradition now written in Moroccan Arabic, has a unique role in society as a vibrant form of social commentary. It speaks directly to the concerns and experiences of the Moroccan people, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and contemporary realities. Moreover, the aesthetic act of poetry possesses a profound justice that resonates with the laws and principles of the land.

Poetic Justice is a testament to the power of literature to shape the cultural and moral imagination in profound and just ways. By delving into the oeuvre of Moroccan poets from independence to the new millennium and beyond, it becomes evident that these poets have been entrusted with the "letters of time." They use their poetic language to write about ethics, aesthetics, gendered and political lives, and infuse them with poetic being, creating a rich and layered tapestry of literary expression.

Weight: 654g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477318492