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The Complete Poems of Al-Mutanabbi
In James Warren’s new translation of The Complete Poems of Al-Mutanabbi, we launch into the Arab world of the 10th century A.D. where “thistle-juice bedecked” camels with “feet dyed green with saltbush stain” roam across the desert carrying the poet to his next patron, whom he will praise to the stars—as long as he gets paid properly.
With its epic scope divided into three volumes containing all 287 poems, Warren’s rhyming rendition captures the energy and wit of the famed poet Al-Mutanabbi, known to his friends as Abu al-Tayyib, whom King Abdullah II of Jordan called “the Arab Shakespeare.” Some of the poems, rarely before translated into English, are short, occasional pieces on incidents at court, while others, rather better known, are qasidas, extended rhapsodies on desert campsites and their lovely but out-of-bounds women, fearsome desert journeys, and the military prowess and personal virtues of the princes who controlled the cities in the declining years of the Abbasid empire, periodically fighting both each other and the Byzantine Christians.
Warren’s is the first English version in rhyming couplets in a variety of strictly defined meters that seek to emulate the energetic, image-driven texture of the rhymed and highly structured “To the West stood the sea with its waters immense; / To the East stood a sea of war-horses intense.”
Warren’s swift and flexible rhythms offer a vibrant window into a long-vanished world. While honoring the original Arabic’s classical elegance and often dense and intricate phrasing, he has sought also to capture Al-Mutanabbi’s grandiose bravado and vitality and his often poignant views on what matters in life. As Warren comments in his “Translator’s Note,” in the world of Arabic poetry, great poems were “akin to a string of pearls—one exquisite line following another,” and in his passionate retelling, we soar alongside a poet who devours the world with open heart and mind and whose “eyes graze beauty’s tender field.”
Altogether, The Complete Poems of Al-Mutanabbi is a monumental undertaking and accomplishment.
With its epic scope divided into three volumes containing all 287 poems, Warren’s rhyming rendition captures the energy and wit of the famed poet Al-Mutanabbi, known to his friends as Abu al-Tayyib, whom King Abdullah II of Jordan called “the Arab Shakespeare.” Some of the poems, rarely before translated into English, are short, occasional pieces on incidents at court, while others, rather better known, are qasidas, extended rhapsodies on desert campsites and their lovely but out-of-bounds women, fearsome desert journeys, and the military prowess and personal virtues of the princes who controlled the cities in the declining years of the Abbasid empire, periodically fighting both each other and the Byzantine Christians.
Warren’s is the first English version in rhyming couplets in a variety of strictly defined meters that seek to emulate the energetic, image-driven texture of the rhymed and highly structured “To the West stood the sea with its waters immense; / To the East stood a sea of war-horses intense.”
Warren’s swift and flexible rhythms offer a vibrant window into a long-vanished world. While honoring the original Arabic’s classical elegance and often dense and intricate phrasing, he has sought also to capture Al-Mutanabbi’s grandiose bravado and vitality and his often poignant views on what matters in life. As Warren comments in his “Translator’s Note,” in the world of Arabic poetry, great poems were “akin to a string of pearls—one exquisite line following another,” and in his passionate retelling, we soar alongside a poet who devours the world with open heart and mind and whose “eyes graze beauty’s tender field.”
Altogether, The Complete Poems of Al-Mutanabbi is a monumental undertaking and accomplishment.
- GenresPoetry
1118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2022
11 people are currently reading
745 people want to read
About the author
James F. Warren
4 books7 followersJames Warren is a Washington, DC - based international tax and business lawyer. A graduate of Cambridge University in England and Harvard Law School, he is a partner in Potomac Law Group PLLC and has been practicing law since 1990. His clients have included several of the largest investment banks and brokerages in New York as well as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
Having grown up in England, and with a lifelong interest in the languages and culture of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern worlds, Mr. Warren brings a cosmopolitan perspective and cultural sensitivity not only to his extensive international and cross-border business, but also to his many philanthropic and humanitarian ventures. His interests include reading widely in various languages, particularly Arabic, French and Italian, and travel in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He is also an accomplished classical pianist and church organist.
Other publications include :
"Preparing a Tax Court Case" (co-author), The Practical Litigator, January 1992.
"Risks - Reading Corporate Signals" (co-author), John Wiley & Sons, Chichester,
England (1987).
Having grown up in England, and with a lifelong interest in the languages and culture of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern worlds, Mr. Warren brings a cosmopolitan perspective and cultural sensitivity not only to his extensive international and cross-border business, but also to his many philanthropic and humanitarian ventures. His interests include reading widely in various languages, particularly Arabic, French and Italian, and travel in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He is also an accomplished classical pianist and church organist.
Other publications include :
"Preparing a Tax Court Case" (co-author), The Practical Litigator, January 1992.
"Risks - Reading Corporate Signals" (co-author), John Wiley & Sons, Chichester,
England (1987).
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 4, 2024
The poems were beautifully written. All the verses flowed well. As I read these poems, I created mental images. The author’s strong and powerful use of words allowed me to dive deep into my imagination. The poems are accessible to everyone, whether they are casual readers or professional scholars with an interest in Arab history and culture.
March 31, 2024
Such a great collection — it doesn't just offer a glimpse into Al-Mutanabbi's poetic world but rather paints the full picture. Warren's translation, with its rhythmical structure and word choices, is exceptional. The author excels at bringing new life into the vivid, and yet fading with the passage of time, imagery of the past.
December 14, 2023
The author does a great job of not only translating the poems, but ensuring that the pace and style of the poems stays consistent to the original source material. He also provides context to the poems, which is helpful.
December 8, 2023
The author does a great job of translating the poems while keeping the rhythm and rhyme.
September 26, 2023
This collection is exceptional! I have never experienced anything like this poetry in the modern literary market. These poems have elegant verses that flow naturally. The verses feel stronger when they are read aloud. For new readers, I would recommend easing yourself into the collection with the shorter poems (1 page each) first and then work your way through the longer poems (3-4 pages each). The poet's words are romantic, humorous and dramatic, fitting for the era in which he lived. The translator includes a disclaimer about historical and cultural aspects that were very different than the modern world the reader knows.
June 11, 2024
Wonderfull Collection!
This author doe an outstanding job of translating the poetry in “The Complete Poems of Al-Mutanabbi”. This set was beautifully completed with integrity and a high attention to detail for preservation of the original authors language, and meaning. The poems are very powerful to read and/or listen to. Highly recommended series!
This author doe an outstanding job of translating the poetry in “The Complete Poems of Al-Mutanabbi”. This set was beautifully completed with integrity and a high attention to detail for preservation of the original authors language, and meaning. The poems are very powerful to read and/or listen to. Highly recommended series!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews