Extremely readable and at times utterly captivating, this anthology presents previously untranslated narratives and challenges the hegemony of an all-embracing Western canon. Salma Khadra Jayyusi's work will be of interest to all students of comparative literature and multiculturalism and will give the discerning reader lasting enjoyment and be read over and over again.
Khaldoun Al Shamaa, author of Modern ... Read moreArabic Literary Theory: From Literary Criticism to Cultural Critique If in their fame the Arabian Nights represent the visible side of the moon of Arabic story-telling, this anthology for the first time discloses the hidden side, a world largely unknown to the wider public yet one even more varied than the Nights and every bit as rich, profound, humorous, and wise. A new realm of world literature is here explored.
Stefan Sperl, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Classical Arabic Stories is a rare combination of scholarship and entertainment, providing a road map of medieval Arab prose fiction. In this great anthology, Salma Khadra Jayussi has done a great service by bringing a wonderful literary heritage out from under the shadows of neglect. The book serves as a portal through which Western readers can encounter a neglected medieval culture and enjoy tales of passion, madness, comedy, and wisdom.
Robert Irwin, editor of The Penguin Anthology of Classical Arabic Literature and author of Camel Dr. Jayyusi's anthology is a good contribution to Arabic literature in English translation. It demonstrates, among other things, that the art of classical Arabic prose narratives is worthy of deeper study by scholars...
Issa J. Boullata Review of Middle East Studies Show Less