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Encyclopedia of Arabic Literature
The Encyclopedia of Arabic Literature is an authoritative reference source on the most important authors, works, genres, key terms, concepts and issues in the Arabic literary tradition. The Encyclopedia covers the classical (pre-Islamic to 1258), transitional (1258-1798) and modern periods within a single work. In over 1300 separately-authored entries, many of the world's experts combine current research with traditional study to provide authoritative analysis and commentary on a wide range of areas. These include major authors, important works, and a variety of literary terms. Also covered are forms such as poetry, drama and newspaper writing and key critical concepts of Arabic literature.
857 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
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December 13, 2022
Similar to the "Encyclopedia of African Literature" in many (if not all) aspects of this presently reviewed work, if only in terms of formatting formalities combined with a similar (and yet still specifically focused) assemblage of literary content.
What detracts from both this encyclopedia and the "African" version of it is that there may be a certain lack of availability for the works discussed in these volumes, especially within the United States.
This is not due to a lack of literary translation, however. It seems that even in the 21st century, much literature from Africa's so-named "Dark Continent" as well as those individuals living in any Arabic speaking or Middle Eastern milieu may still discover that much of all literature discussed in both volumes will no doubt in many places. still not be disseminated properly, or otherwise be easily located across the Internet (or for that matter, occupying space within "brick and mortar" public library shelves.) (It is also advantageous if or when a reader of this book is able to comprehend and read both Arabic and French, since the majority of writers showcased in both this and the "African Literature" encyclopedia expressly write in both these vernaculars as opposed to English in many cases.
That being said, if you are unfamiliar with either African or Arabic literature in all its themes and guises, both volumes may serve as a starting point for other literary adventures, both unfamiliar (and perhaps in some instances, even "unwelcome" or "uncanny") to those readers in this century unfamiliar with both customs and climate (religious, political, or those items of attention which aren't conducive to outdoor weather) of either the African or Middle Eastern regions comprising the world stage.
What detracts from both this encyclopedia and the "African" version of it is that there may be a certain lack of availability for the works discussed in these volumes, especially within the United States.
This is not due to a lack of literary translation, however. It seems that even in the 21st century, much literature from Africa's so-named "Dark Continent" as well as those individuals living in any Arabic speaking or Middle Eastern milieu may still discover that much of all literature discussed in both volumes will no doubt in many places. still not be disseminated properly, or otherwise be easily located across the Internet (or for that matter, occupying space within "brick and mortar" public library shelves.) (It is also advantageous if or when a reader of this book is able to comprehend and read both Arabic and French, since the majority of writers showcased in both this and the "African Literature" encyclopedia expressly write in both these vernaculars as opposed to English in many cases.
That being said, if you are unfamiliar with either African or Arabic literature in all its themes and guises, both volumes may serve as a starting point for other literary adventures, both unfamiliar (and perhaps in some instances, even "unwelcome" or "uncanny") to those readers in this century unfamiliar with both customs and climate (religious, political, or those items of attention which aren't conducive to outdoor weather) of either the African or Middle Eastern regions comprising the world stage.
Displaying 1 of 1 review