Literature and Nation in the Middle East
Ibrahim Muhawi editor Yasir Suleiman editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Edinburgh University Press
Published:14th Feb '06
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This compelling study presents an original look at how 'the nation' is represented in the literature of the Middle East. It includes chapters on Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine and Israel, drawing on the expertise of literary scholars, historians, political scientists and cultural theorists. The book offers a synthesising contribution to knowledge, placing Arab literature within the context of emergent or conflicting nationalist projects in the area. Topics addressed include: *the roles of literature and interpretation in defining national identity *exile *conflicting nationalisms *conflict resolution The approaches taken by the authors range from textual and rhetorical analysis to historical accounts of the role of literature in contributing to national identity, and political analysis of the use of literature as a tool in conflict resolution. Genres covered include fiction (the novel), poetry and verbal duelling. This unique exploration of the subject of literature and the nation in the Arab world will be of interest to anyone studying Middle Eastern literature and nationalism, as well as historians and political scientists. Key Features *Includes chapters from a broad range of American, European and Middle Eastern contributors, providing a synthesising perspective on the Middle East *A unique exploration of the connection between literature and national identity in the Middle East, set against the background of conflict *Covers the subject of literature and nation in Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Palestine and Israel
An excellent addition to the field of Arabic literary studies, nationalism studies, and colonial/post-colonial studies. I strongly recommend it. -- Professor Joseph Massad, Columbia University A study on the literary construction of the nation in the Middle East is most welcome today, particularly with its emphasis on Palestinian and Hebrew literature! This is an opportune moment to see how [Middle Eastern] writers perceive themselves and their identity. -- Dr P.C. Sadgrove, University of Manchester 'Literature and Nation in the Middle East brings out energetically and effectively some of the contours of the current Arab literature ... [and provides] insights into the engagement of the Arab men of letters with such diverse concepts and issues as nationalism, Palestinian exile, conflict resolution and social transformation.' -- Dr Manazir Ashan Muslim World Book Review This collection as a whole gains valuable essays individual essays and is a most useful addition to the study of nation and literature in the Arabic-speaking world. -- Roger Allen, University of Pennsylvania British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies An excellent addition to the field of Arabic literary studies, nationalism studies, and colonial/post-colonial studies. I strongly recommend it. A study on the literary construction of the nation in the Middle East is most welcome today, particularly with its emphasis on Palestinian and Hebrew literature! This is an opportune moment to see how [Middle Eastern] writers perceive themselves and their identity. 'Literature and Nation in the Middle East brings out energetically and effectively some of the contours of the current Arab literature ... [and provides] insights into the engagement of the Arab men of letters with such diverse concepts and issues as nationalism, Palestinian exile, conflict resolution and social transformation.' This collection as a whole gains valuable essays individual essays and is a most useful addition to the study of nation and literature in the Arabic-speaking world.
ISBN: 9780748620739
Dimensions: 234mm x 156mm x 24mm
Weight: 566g
272 pages