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Desert Songs of the Night: 1500 Years of Arabic Literature
A unique and extraordinary collection, Desert Songs of the Night presents some of the finest poetry and prose by Arab writers, from the Arab East to Andalusia, over the last fifteen hundred years.
From the mystical imagery of the Qur'an and the colorful stories of The Thousand and One Nights, to the powerful verses of longing of Mahmoud Darwish and Nazik al-Mala'ika, this captivating collection includes translated excerpts of works by the major authors of the period, as well as by lesser-known writers of equal significance.
Desert Songs of the Night showcases the vibrant and distinctive literary heritage of the Arabs. Beautifully produced, this is the ideal gift book for lovers of world literature and for those who seek an acquaintance with gems of Arab thought and expression.
Suheil Bushrui is a distinguished author, poet, critic and translator, particularly revered as an authority on the works of W. B. Yeats and Kahlil Gibran. Bushrui is currently the Emeritus Professor and first incumbent of the George and Lisa Zakhem Kahlil Gibran Chair for Values and Peace at the University of Maryland, where he is also a Senior Scholar of Peace with the Center for International Development and Conflict Management. Bushrui's publications include The Wisdom of the Arabs and The Prophet: A New Annotated Edition.
James M. Malarkey is a specialist in Middle Eastern and North African studies. He currently teaches World Classics of literature and philosophy at Antioch University Midwest where he is Chair of Humanities.
From the mystical imagery of the Qur'an and the colorful stories of The Thousand and One Nights, to the powerful verses of longing of Mahmoud Darwish and Nazik al-Mala'ika, this captivating collection includes translated excerpts of works by the major authors of the period, as well as by lesser-known writers of equal significance.
Desert Songs of the Night showcases the vibrant and distinctive literary heritage of the Arabs. Beautifully produced, this is the ideal gift book for lovers of world literature and for those who seek an acquaintance with gems of Arab thought and expression.
Suheil Bushrui is a distinguished author, poet, critic and translator, particularly revered as an authority on the works of W. B. Yeats and Kahlil Gibran. Bushrui is currently the Emeritus Professor and first incumbent of the George and Lisa Zakhem Kahlil Gibran Chair for Values and Peace at the University of Maryland, where he is also a Senior Scholar of Peace with the Center for International Development and Conflict Management. Bushrui's publications include The Wisdom of the Arabs and The Prophet: A New Annotated Edition.
James M. Malarkey is a specialist in Middle Eastern and North African studies. He currently teaches World Classics of literature and philosophy at Antioch University Midwest where he is Chair of Humanities.
480 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2015
About the author
Suheil Bushrui
78 books12 followersSuheil Bushrui is the foremost translator and interpreter of Anglo-Irish literature in the Arab world, and has published critical studies in Arabic and English on W. B. Yeats, John Millington Synge, James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. He was the first Arab national to be appointed to the Chair of English and Anglo-Irish Literature at the American University of Beirut, and has also served as Chairman of the International Association for the Study of Anglo-Irish Literature (ISAIL). He is currently the Baha'i Chair for World Peace in the Center for International Development and Conflict Management (CIDCM) at the University of Maryland.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 17, 2016
This reminded me of Tablet & Pen: Literary Landscapes from the Modern Middle East, which I really liked, so I decided to get my hands on Desert Songs of the Night as soon as possible.
I’ve read most of Bushrui’s work on Kahlil Gibran and was really enthusiastic to see him involved in this project. Bushrui died last year, so reading this book felt like the right way of paying respects.
The book itself was a huge task to take on – presenting fifteen centuries of a literature still largely unknown outside of the Arab world, finding a proper way to introduce each period and provide a wider context, linking it all together, choosing what’s important and what can be left out, adding the always present translation doubts…
It wasn’t easy, and that is obvious when reading the book.
The collection moves from the mystical imagery of the Qur’an and the colorful stories of The Thousand and One Nights, to the powerful verses of longing of Mahmoud Darwish and Nazik al-Mala’ika, and the resistance of the great Fadwa Tuqan.
It includes translated excerpts of works by the major authors of the period, as well as by lesser-known writers of equal significance. The editors stress that Arabic does not necessarily mean Islamic – in this anthology, there are many works by Christian and Jewish authors who formed an integral part of the culture of the Arab world.
Most of this collection covers the seventh to the 15th century, and then the 20th century – the time of revival in Arabic literature. There are many good selections – interesting, unique, important works – but the book left me craving for more structure, for the links binding it all together (literature with the body of history and time).
It would be amazing if each section included an introductory essay by the editors, it would make some of the writing much more understandable and allow the reader to connect all the dots. It would be nice to find out more about the authors and what their art meant in times and spaces they were living in.
All of that being said, this is still a really important anthology and I highly recommend reading it. The variety of the collection offers a good glimpse of the diverse and beautiful world of Arabic literature.
Like the old poet Abu Tammam, quoted in the book, described it: “Blood relationship we may lack, but literature is our adopted father”.
I’ve read most of Bushrui’s work on Kahlil Gibran and was really enthusiastic to see him involved in this project. Bushrui died last year, so reading this book felt like the right way of paying respects.
The book itself was a huge task to take on – presenting fifteen centuries of a literature still largely unknown outside of the Arab world, finding a proper way to introduce each period and provide a wider context, linking it all together, choosing what’s important and what can be left out, adding the always present translation doubts…
It wasn’t easy, and that is obvious when reading the book.
The collection moves from the mystical imagery of the Qur’an and the colorful stories of The Thousand and One Nights, to the powerful verses of longing of Mahmoud Darwish and Nazik al-Mala’ika, and the resistance of the great Fadwa Tuqan.
It includes translated excerpts of works by the major authors of the period, as well as by lesser-known writers of equal significance. The editors stress that Arabic does not necessarily mean Islamic – in this anthology, there are many works by Christian and Jewish authors who formed an integral part of the culture of the Arab world.
Most of this collection covers the seventh to the 15th century, and then the 20th century – the time of revival in Arabic literature. There are many good selections – interesting, unique, important works – but the book left me craving for more structure, for the links binding it all together (literature with the body of history and time).
It would be amazing if each section included an introductory essay by the editors, it would make some of the writing much more understandable and allow the reader to connect all the dots. It would be nice to find out more about the authors and what their art meant in times and spaces they were living in.
All of that being said, this is still a really important anthology and I highly recommend reading it. The variety of the collection offers a good glimpse of the diverse and beautiful world of Arabic literature.
Like the old poet Abu Tammam, quoted in the book, described it: “Blood relationship we may lack, but literature is our adopted father”.
December 23, 2024
The anthology is structured to reflect various historical periods and themes within Arabic literature, showcasing works that range from ancient poetry to modern narratives. It includes contributions from renowned authors alongside lesser-known figures, thus offering a comprehensive survey of Arabic thought and expression. The editors emphasize that literature serves as a vital window into the emotional, social, and political lives of Arabs across different eras, challenging prevailing stereotypes often associated with the region.
Bushrui and Malarkey highlight the unique role of Arabic literature in expressing complex ideas about identity, gender equality, and social justice. The anthology addresses how literature has historically been used to navigate personal and collective struggles within Arab societies. For instance, it reflects on the evolving status of women through fictional narratives while also celebrating themes of honor and resilience found in poetry. This dual focus not only enriches the reader's understanding but also counters negative portrayals often seen in Western media.
One of the anthology's strengths lies in its diverse representation of genres and styles. It includes chivalric verse, philosophical treatises, folktales, and modern narrative poetry. Such variety underscores the dynamic nature of Arabic literature and its ability to adapt and respond to changing societal contexts. The inclusion of works like The Thousand and One Nights alongside contemporary poets such as Mahmoud Darwish exemplifies this breadth.
The anthology traces the evolution of Arabic literature from pre-Islamic poetry through significant historical milestones such as the Umayyad dynasty and the Nahda (Arab Renaissance). This chronological approach allows readers to appreciate how historical events have influenced literary production and themes over time. The editors argue that understanding this historical context is crucial for grasping the nuances of Arab culture today.
In light of contemporary geopolitical issues, Bushrui and Malarkey position their work as a counter-narrative to the violence often associated with the Arab world. They express a desire for readers to engage with Arabic literature as a means of fostering intercultural understanding and appreciation. The anthology serves not only as an educational resource but also as a call to recognize the profound contributions of Arab writers to global literature.
Desert Songs of the Night is an invitation to explore a rich literary tradition that has shaped human thought across centuries. By presenting a wide array of texts that reflect both historical depth and contemporary relevance, Bushrui and Malarkey provide readers with essential tools for understanding the complexities of Arab identity and culture. This collection is particularly valuable for those seeking to broaden their perspectives on Middle Eastern literature beyond mainstream narratives, making it an essential read for anyone interested in world literature.
Bushrui and Malarkey highlight the unique role of Arabic literature in expressing complex ideas about identity, gender equality, and social justice. The anthology addresses how literature has historically been used to navigate personal and collective struggles within Arab societies. For instance, it reflects on the evolving status of women through fictional narratives while also celebrating themes of honor and resilience found in poetry. This dual focus not only enriches the reader's understanding but also counters negative portrayals often seen in Western media.
One of the anthology's strengths lies in its diverse representation of genres and styles. It includes chivalric verse, philosophical treatises, folktales, and modern narrative poetry. Such variety underscores the dynamic nature of Arabic literature and its ability to adapt and respond to changing societal contexts. The inclusion of works like The Thousand and One Nights alongside contemporary poets such as Mahmoud Darwish exemplifies this breadth.
The anthology traces the evolution of Arabic literature from pre-Islamic poetry through significant historical milestones such as the Umayyad dynasty and the Nahda (Arab Renaissance). This chronological approach allows readers to appreciate how historical events have influenced literary production and themes over time. The editors argue that understanding this historical context is crucial for grasping the nuances of Arab culture today.
In light of contemporary geopolitical issues, Bushrui and Malarkey position their work as a counter-narrative to the violence often associated with the Arab world. They express a desire for readers to engage with Arabic literature as a means of fostering intercultural understanding and appreciation. The anthology serves not only as an educational resource but also as a call to recognize the profound contributions of Arab writers to global literature.
Desert Songs of the Night is an invitation to explore a rich literary tradition that has shaped human thought across centuries. By presenting a wide array of texts that reflect both historical depth and contemporary relevance, Bushrui and Malarkey provide readers with essential tools for understanding the complexities of Arab identity and culture. This collection is particularly valuable for those seeking to broaden their perspectives on Middle Eastern literature beyond mainstream narratives, making it an essential read for anyone interested in world literature.
October 24, 2020
Less songs more of a collection of verse and poetry.
October 27, 2020
Bit of an uneven collection that shines in its selections for the last two sections. Does lack the humor that can be in Arabic literature.
May 2, 2021
Not for me.
January 18, 2016
The anthology has good selections from across the span of Arabic history, but this book leaves a lot on the table.
The introduction/overview, which would give many readers the contextual footing on which to appreciate the selections, is far too cursory. Instead of cramming all of that context into the intro I think that the anthology would have been far more enriching had the editors included an introductory essay to each of the sections. Also, the author blurbs would have been far more useful if tacked on to the beginning of each author's section. The selected format, with context limited to an introduction and blurbs hidden at the back of the book, results in literary pieces disembodied from their situation. Readers who are less accustomed with Arabic history will not know where the pieces come from or even who their authors were, which makes it difficult to appreciate them. Pieces standing alone like this may be more easily seen for what they are, pieces of literature/art, but the role of an anthology is not only to put the art on display but also to educate readers about the art's - and the artist's - place in the progression.
The book hits on almost every major figure and era, though, and avoids the pitfall of lumping all Islamic literature into Arabic literature. The editors do not limit the scope to literature by pure-blooded Arabs, rather opting to include all literature composed in Arabic. This is the right call. Persian masters like Rumi are left out, along with Turko-Ottoman selections, but there is enough subject material in those fields for separate anthologies. I like that they included pre-Islamic poetry. My only quarrel with the selections is that they left out ibn taymiyya. His absence is conspicuous, especially considering that al ghazal I was included. A selection from sayyid qutb would also have fit nicely into the modern section, showing that Arabic letters are not limited to poems and also touching on the relevant issue of extremism.
The introduction/overview, which would give many readers the contextual footing on which to appreciate the selections, is far too cursory. Instead of cramming all of that context into the intro I think that the anthology would have been far more enriching had the editors included an introductory essay to each of the sections. Also, the author blurbs would have been far more useful if tacked on to the beginning of each author's section. The selected format, with context limited to an introduction and blurbs hidden at the back of the book, results in literary pieces disembodied from their situation. Readers who are less accustomed with Arabic history will not know where the pieces come from or even who their authors were, which makes it difficult to appreciate them. Pieces standing alone like this may be more easily seen for what they are, pieces of literature/art, but the role of an anthology is not only to put the art on display but also to educate readers about the art's - and the artist's - place in the progression.
The book hits on almost every major figure and era, though, and avoids the pitfall of lumping all Islamic literature into Arabic literature. The editors do not limit the scope to literature by pure-blooded Arabs, rather opting to include all literature composed in Arabic. This is the right call. Persian masters like Rumi are left out, along with Turko-Ottoman selections, but there is enough subject material in those fields for separate anthologies. I like that they included pre-Islamic poetry. My only quarrel with the selections is that they left out ibn taymiyya. His absence is conspicuous, especially considering that al ghazal I was included. A selection from sayyid qutb would also have fit nicely into the modern section, showing that Arabic letters are not limited to poems and also touching on the relevant issue of extremism.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews