This is the first systematic literary study of one of the masterpieces of classical Arabic literature, the fourth/tenth century Kitab al-aghani (The Book of Songs) by Abu I-Faraj al-Isbahani. Until now the twenty-four volume Book of Songs has been regarded as a rather chaotic but priceless mine of i[...]
Though they chronicle life in a country that has witnessed extraordinary and often violent political, economic, and cultural change, the works are striking in their light and intimate tone. They include personal reminiscences of childhood, travel essays, and observations of village life and custom. [...]