Title
Music Of A Distant Drum: Classical Arabic, Persian, Turkish, And Hebrew Poems.,Used
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Music of a Distant Drum marks a literary milestone. It collects 129 poems from the four leading literary traditions of the Middle East, all masterfully translated into English by Bernard Lewis, many for the first time. These poems come from diverse languages and traditionsArabic, Persian, Turkish, and Hebrewand span more than a thousand years. Together they provide a fascinating and unusual window into Middle Eastern history. Lewis, one of the world's greatest authorities on the region's culture and history, reveals verses of startling beauty, ranging from panegyric and satire to religious poetry and lyrics about wine, women, and love.Bernard Lewis, one of the world's greatest authorities on the region's culture and history, offers a work of startling beauty that leaves no doubt as to why such poets were courted by kings in their day. Like those in the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, the poems hereas ensured by Lewis's mastery of all the source languages and his impeccable style and tastecome fully alive in English. They are surprising and sensuous, disarmingly witty and frank. They provide a fascinating and unusual glimpse into Middle Eastern history. Above all, they are a pleasure to read.They range from panegyric and satire to religious poetry and lyrics about wine, women, and love. Lewis begins with an introduction on the place of poets and poetry in Middle Eastern history and concludes with biographical notes on all the poets.This treasure trove of verse is aptly summed up by a quote from the ninthcentury Arab author Ibn Qutayba: 'Poetry is the mine of knowledge of the Arabs, the book of their wisdom, the muster roll of their history, the repository of their great days, the rampart protecting their heritage, the trench defending their glories, the truthful witness on the day of dispute, the final proof at the time of argument.?In one hand the Qur'vn, in the other a wineglass,Sometimes keeping the rules, sometimes breaking them.Here we are in this world, unripe and raw,Not outright heathens, not quite Muslims.Mujir (12th century)
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- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has two hundred twenty-four pages. It offers a comprehensive collection of Middle Eastern poetry translated into English.
- Q: What is the binding type of the book? A: The book is hardcover. This ensures durability and a premium feel, making it suitable for both reading and display.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures approximately five point twenty-four inches in length, zero point seventy-five inches in width, and seven point ninety-nine inches in height. These dimensions make it portable and easy to handle.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Bernard Lewis. He is renowned for his expertise in Middle Eastern culture and history.
- Q: What languages are represented in the poems? A: The poems in this collection are drawn from Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Hebrew. This diversity highlights the rich literary traditions of the Middle East.
- Q: What themes are covered in the poems? A: The poems cover various themes, including love, satire, and religious devotion. They provide insights into the cultural and historical contexts of their times.
- Q: How do I read and appreciate this book? A: You can read this book at your leisure. It’s suitable for poetry enthusiasts and those interested in Middle Eastern history.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: Yes, it is suitable for young readers with an interest in poetry. However, some themes may require parental guidance.
- Q: Can I use this book for academic purposes? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic purposes. It provides valuable insights and historical context for research on Middle Eastern literature.
- Q: How should I store this book to maintain its condition? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its binding and pages.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller immediately for a return or replacement. Most sellers offer a satisfaction guarantee.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, there is typically no warranty for books. However, you can check the return policy for any issues upon delivery.
- Q: How often should I read poetry to appreciate it? A: You can read poetry as often as you like, but regular reading can enhance appreciation. Engaging with diverse styles can deepen your understanding.
- Q: What makes this book a good choice for poetry lovers? A: This book is a good choice for poetry lovers because it features masterful translations of significant works from Middle Eastern poets.
- Q: Are there any illustrations in the book? A: No, the book does not contain illustrations. It focuses solely on the poetry and translations.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: No, this book is a standalone collection. It offers a unique anthology of Middle Eastern poetry.