Songs of Mihyar the Damascene

Name: Songs of Mihyar the Damascene
Brand: Penguin Books Ltd
SKU: 9780241483558
Price: 26.0 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

By Adonis

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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3.8

( 367 ratings, 54 reviews)

Summary

Songs of Mihyar the Damascene by Adonis explores the metaphysical journey of a mythological figure named Mihyar, who embodies the universal quest for identity and transformation. The book combines poetry and philosophy, delving into themes of exile, existentialism, and the perpetual search for meaning in a changing world. Adonis's modernist approach melds rich imagery with profound reflections, offering a contemplative look at personal and cultural metamorphosis.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an affinity for exploring modernist Arabic poetry that delves into themes of identity, exile, and transformation. It may appeal to those interested in lyrical and philosophical musings set against the backdrop of rich cultural narratives and evocative imagery, offering a deep dive into the mind of an influential Middle Eastern poet.

Songs of Mihyar the Damascene

Description

The landmark poetry collection that transformed 20th-century Arabic poetry, in a brilliant new translation by Kareem James Abu-Zeid and Ivan Eubanks.

Written in the early 1960s by Adonis, 'the most eloquent spokesman and explorer of Arabic modernity' (Edward Said), Songs of Mihyar the Damascene is widely considered to be the apex of the modernist poetry movement in the Arab world, and a radical departure from the rigid formal structures that had dominated Arabic poetry until the 1950s.

Drawing not only on Western influences, such as T.S. Eliot and Nietzsche, but on the deep tradition and history of Arabic poetry, Adonis accomplished a masterful and unprecedented transformation of the forms and themes of Arabic poetry, initiating a profound revaluation of cultural and poetic traditions.

Songs of Mihyar the Damascene is a masterpiece of world literature that rewrote – through Mediterranean myths and renegade Sufi mystics – what it meant to be an Arab in the modern world.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Songs of Mihyar the Damascene by Adonis has generally received acclaim for its lush, poetic style and reflective themes. Many reviews highlight the richness of the language and the depth of cultural and philosophical exploration within the text, noting its ability to transcend time and place. The often dark, yet deeply human themes resonate with readers, particularly those interested in Middle Eastern culture and history.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241483558

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 February 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

Translated by Kareem James Abu-Zeid
Translated by Ivan Eubanks
Translated by Kareem James Abu-Zeid

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 191g

Pages: 256

Collections

Adonis Arts & Culture Non-Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Religion & Spirituality Series: Penguin Modern Classics

About the Author

Adonis was born Ali Ahmed Said Esber in the Syrian village Al-Qassabin in 1930. A perennial candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature, Adonis initiated a revolution in the structures and themes of Arabic poetry. In 1956, fleeing political persecution, he moved to Beirut, and in 1985, the ongoing Lebanese civil war forced him to relocate to Paris, where he has resided ever since. Adonis has translated several poets into Arabic, such as Ovid and Saint-John Perse, and has received numerous honors, including the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, the Goethe Prize, and the Pen/Nabokov Award. Kareem James Abu-Zeid is completing his Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley. Ivan Eubanks is the editor of the Pushkin Review and Director of UCCI TV. He has a PhD in Slavic Languages from Princeton University.