Arabic Poems (A Bilingual Edition)(Everyman’s Library Pocket)
Arabic Poems (A Bilingual Edition)(Everyman’s Library Pocket) Book Description
Arabic Poems (A Bilingual Edition)(Everyman’s Library Pocket) gathers eighty verses that span fifteen centuries of Arabic literary tradition. The pocket‑size design places the original Arabic script beside a clear English translation, letting readers hear the rhythm and grasp the meaning at the same time. Love, nature, faith and politics flow from pre‑Islamic desert chants to verses that echoed during the Arab Spring.
Inside, the anthology balances famous classics with hidden gems. Legendary warrior‑poet Antara Ibn Shaddad stands beside medieval Andalusian voice Ibn Zaydun, while mystic Al‑‘Asha shares longing with modern icons such as Nizar Qabbani and Mahmoud Darwish. Each poem appears in Arabic with a contemporary English rendering, making the volume ideal for language learners and poetry lovers.
The editor, Marlé Hammond, chose works that explore desire—for love, the divine, homeland and renewal. Consequently, the collection feels like a journey across Morocco, Iraq, Egypt, Syria and Palestine, showing how poets responded to war, exile and hope. Additionally, the slim pocket format fits easily in a bag, encouraging readers to explore poetry on the go.
Key Features of Arabic Poems (A Bilingual Edition)(Everyman’s Library Pocket)
Readers will discover a bilingual layout that lets them compare phrasing, rhythm and imagery side by side. This design deepens appreciation for Arabic musicality and helps learners see how meaning shifts between languages. Moreover, the anthology includes acclaimed voices such as Khalil Jibran, Fadwa Tuqan and avant‑garde poet Adonis, ensuring a rich mix of perspectives.
Because the poems touch on universal themes—heroism, nostalgia, mysticism, grief and passion—they resonate across cultures. The book therefore offers a timeless experience that unites past and present, making it a valuable addition to any literary shelf.
Why Read This Book?
Fans of world literature will enjoy the seamless blend of ancient oral tradition and modern political verse. The pocket format allows readers to carry centuries of poetry wherever they travel. Furthermore, the clear English translations invite non‑Arabic speakers to explore a heritage that often feels distant.
Many readers appreciate how the anthology captures both personal longing and collective struggle. By presenting poems from diverse regions, the book helps users understand how Arabic poetry reflects history, geography and cultural change. As a result, it serves both as a pleasure read and as a learning tool.
About This Book
Arabic Poems (A Bilingual Edition)(Everyman’s Library Pocket) is available now at Kalimat Bookstore Online. For more details, visit the Goodreads page. Explore additional English titles in our store through the English Books section.




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