Description:
In Arabs and the Art of Storytelling, the eminent Moroccan literary historian and critic Kilito revisits and reassesses, in a modern critical light, many traditional narratives of the Arab world. He brings to such celebrated texts as A Thousand and One Nights, Kalila and Dimna, and Kitab al-Bukhala' refreshing and iconoclastic insight, giving new life to classic stories that are often treated as fossilized and untouchable cultural treasures.
For Arab scholars and readers, poetry has for centuries taken precedence, overshadowing narrative as a significant literary genre. Here, Kilito demonstrates the key role narrative has played in the development of Arab belles lettres and moral philosophy. His urbane style has earned him a devoted following among specialists and general readers alike, making this translation an invaluable contribution to an English-speaking audience.Review Quotes: Arabs and the Art of Storytelling showcases Kilito's signature creativity and boldness as a critic. Sryfi and Sellin, with their thoughtful translation, have done a service to readers of Arabic and to anyone interested in literary culture. The field of Arabic studies is that much richer for their efforts.--Samuel England "University of Wisconsin"