The Beauty Hunters: Sudanese Bedouin Poetry, Evolution and Impact

The Beauty Hunters is a 2023 book that explores Sudanese Bedouin poetry, its evolution, aesthetics, and impact. It profiles al-Ḥārdallo, the doyen of this art form, and documents his life's journeys in pursuit of beauty. His poetry offers insights into Sudanese sociopolitical developments and adds to the discourse on Sudan's cultural identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

The Beauty Hunters provides a unique perspective on Sudanese Bedouin poetry, its evolution, aesthetics, and impact. Through an in-depth profile of al-Ḥārdallo, the esteemed master of this art form, Adil Babikir delves into the qualities that have elevated him to international renown as a poet. Al-Ḥārdallo's life was a testament to his unwavering pursuit of beauty. From his wanderings through the vast Buṭāna wilderness to his adventures with women, he chronicled his experiences in exquisite verse, capturing the highs and lows of his journey. In addition to its aesthetic allure, al-Ḥārdallos poetry holds immense value for Sudanese studies as it offers glimpses into the sociopolitical developments of Sudan during his lifetime. Having lived through three distinct eras: Turco-Egyptian rule (1820–1885), Mahdist rule (1885–1898), and a portion of the Anglo-Egyptian era (1898–1956), his poetry reflects the changing tides of history. By reading Bedouin poetry in a hybrid context, as a significant contributor to what Babikir refers to as a distinctively Sudanese aesthetic taste, The Beauty Hunters makes an invaluable contribution to the discourse on Sudan's cultural identity.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496234094