A Dictionary of Arabic Literary Terms and Devices

Book excerpt: The Dictionary of Arabic Literary Terms covers the most important literary terms relevant to classical and modern Arabic literature. Its 300+ entries include technical terms and rhetorical devices, themes and motifs, concepts, historical eras, literary schools and movements, forms and genres, figures and institutions. Defining terms such as 'root-play', highlighting schools such as the Mahjar poets, and exploring concepts such as 'imaginary evocation', the dictionary introduces its readers to the specificities of the Arabic literary tradition. The dictionary is intended to meet the needs of the growing number of students studying Arabic in the English-speaking world, whose studies include Arabic literature from an early stage. This reference resource equips them to understand the nuances and complexities of the texts they encounter. It is an invaluable reference work for students of Arabic literature.