An Introduction to Arabic Literature

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000. 2nd Printing. Trade Paperback. Near Fine. 6x0x9. 2nd printing. Minor cosmetic wear. 2000 Trade Paperback. xxi, 263 pp. Roger Allen provides a comprehensive introductory survey of literary texts in Arabic, from their unknown beginnings in the fifth century AD to the present day, and from Islam's sacred text, the Qur'an, to popular literature including The Arabian Nights and a wealth of poetry, narrative prose, drama and criticism. With extensive quotations in English translation, a chronology and a guide to further reading, this revised and abridged version of Allen's acclaimed study, The Arabic Literary Heritage (CUP 1998), provides an invaluable student introduction to a major non-Western literary tradition.