Anthology Of Arabic Literature, Culture, and Thought: From Pre-Islamic Times To The Present (Yale Language Series)

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant Accomplishment
Review: This ingenious anthology includes some of the greatest works of Arabic literature from pre-Islamic poet Imru' al-Qays to 20th century legend Nizar Qabbani.

All the texts include very useful vocabulary lists with idioms and expressions perfectly translated into English. Another special feature of the book is an audio CD with crystal clear sound and the voice of Bassam Frangieh smoothly reading selected texts.

The Arabic script is written in large, readable font throughout the book. This anthology also contains a few intriguing illustrations, a thorough glossary and a brief Literary History of the Arabs. Bassam Frangieh has truly done it all!

I recommend this book for all students and scholars who want to improve their Arabic skills, while reading some of the most fascinating literature ever written.

Bravo to Bassam Frangieh! Simply a beautiful book.

Rating:
Summary: A Superb Anthology
Review: This is a solid, serious anthology of Arabic literature for advanced students and other intellectuals. The choice of authors and texts is excellent, as is the organized layout of the entire book. No detail has been spared in this authoritative and engrossing collection of Arabic texts.

The CD presents a scholarly reading of Arabic poetry, filled with musicality and artistic sense. Frangieh's reading captures the unique power of Arabic verse; each selection flows like a river of eloquent language.

Highly recommended!



Rating:
Summary: This is the One!
Review: This is the book that I was waiting for. This is the right book for the Advanced students of Arabic. It covers all Arabic writings in all ages, all genres, all time.. This is an amazing book. It comes with a beautiful reading. The voice of the author in the audio CD is very, very sexy. This is a real man's voice. I cannot stop myself from listening to it!!

Rating:
Summary: What Teachers of Arabic Need
Review: To a student who has used in one form or another the Elementary Modern Standard Arabic book for more than 2 years, and who appreciates its usefulness as a grammar book, it simply cannot rival Frangieh's new book in terms of sheer challenge and enjoyment. Frangieh seeks to inform the reader not only of the language, but of literary works that have been pivotal in Arab culture. The works chosen span an inredible range in time and style, include the modern novel, as well as pre-Islamic poetry, and energize the reader with its invitation to discover the deftness and clarity of some of the language's most accomplished authors.