This monograph presents the first history of the Arabic epigram form (مقطوع). This form was extremely popular in the later half of pre-modern Arabic literary history (c. 1200–1900) and remains largely unknown in contemporary scholarship. It ranks among the most accessible and immediate literary forms in Arabic and appeared ubiquitously in all manner of literary texts from the period. The epigrams treat amatory and erotic themes, descriptions of natural and luxury objects, jokes, and riddles. The monograph presents the first sustained scholarly engagement with this genre while examining the category of epigram in world literature and its application across literary traditions including Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, and Turkish. The study offers a new history of classical Arabic literature while addressing important theoretical and critical issues in comparative literature.
Reviews
“in exemplary fashion, [the second half] of the book broadens a study of works in a single language into a conversation across several fields” — R. Schine, al-ʿUsur al-Wusta (Full review)
“a major contribution to the history of pre-modern Arabic literature” — H. Özkan, Mamlūk Studies Review (Full review)
“In identifying a distinct new genre, Talib opens up the field to several new avenues” — L. Harb, Journal of Arabic Literature (Full review)
“a careful work of analytical literary history and a thoughtful meditation on methodology” — M. Keegan, Middle Eastern Literatures (Full review)
German-language review by Reinhard Weipert, Wiener Zeitschrift für die Kunde des Morgenlandes