Anthology of Modern Palestinian Literature [Hardcover]

Salma Khadra Jayyusi (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0231075081 | ISBN-13: 978-0231075084 | Publication Date: August 15, 1992

Jayyusi presents in English translation a Palestinian world view characterized by intensity, paradox, aspiration, and eloquence. Anthology of Modern Palestinian Literature will certainly become indispensable to anyone with a serious interest in contemporary Arab culture. -- Arab Studies Quarterly

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This anthology offers samples from the works of over 70 Palestinian writers and poets living in Israel, such as Emile Habiby, a laureate of the 1992 Israel Prize; in the occupied territories; and in the diaspora. Foremost among the themes are nostalgia and loss of homeland, which the editor considers the essence of the Palestinian experience. Other subjects, such as love and honor, are more universal. The introductory sections should provide the reader with enough background information, in terms of historic events and literary analysis of current Arabic literature, to allow the easy assimilation of subsequent sections. In view of the variety of themes and the number of writers and poets represented, the anthology represents a genuine source of contemporary Palestinian literature. Recommended for academic and most public libraries.
- Ali Houissa, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, N.Y.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"This massive, well-edited, translated, and researched volume is a living monument to the culture of a nation, now represented in English for the first time with remarkable results in coverage, accuracy, and authenticity.Far from a folkloric or exotic record, this anthology admits the Palestinian contribution to world culture at an eminent pace." -- Edward Said

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 740 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (August 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231075081
• ISBN-13: 978-0231075084
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,176,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Eye-opening, September 7, 2001

By 

Meral Dayan (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anthology of Modern Palestinian Literature (Hardcover)

I am an Israeli and an artist. I found this literature to be eye-opening, and very very deep. I appreciate very much the time that was spent by Palestinians to tell their experiences. Perhaps, if we listened more to the artists, peace would could come sooner. Art reflects truth, after all.

27 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Oppressed tell their story through creativity, September 2, 2001

By 

Shehrezad Muzher (Lansing, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anthology of Modern Palestinian Literature (Hardcover)

Excellent! For so many decades, the oppression of Palestinians has gone unnoticed. This anthalogy allows Palestinians to tell their story through profound creativity. It is heart-wrenching and kudos to all the writers for capturing the pain of the Palestinian people during the last 53 years. The Oslo Accords never helped liberate Palestinians, and today's uprising for freedom against Israeli occupation illustrates the desires as represented in these creative works.

If you don't have time to read the full painful historical account of the Palestinian exodus from Palestine during Israel's creation, or want to get a better idea as to why Palestinians have launched the current uprising, I highly recommend this. History isn't always pretty, and undoubtedly, these heart-felt writings will not sit well with pro-Israelis and Zionists. But these writings tell people's personal stories. Nobody can argue with a person's feelings or personal experiences. And nobody can take them away, no matter how inconvenient they may seem to others.

13 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have anthology..., December 10, 2001

By 

Rania Masri (Lebanon (the country)) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anthology of Modern Palestinian Literature (Paperback)

A must-have anthology - to those interested in Palestine and the Arab lands, and to those interested in literature and poetry.

A powerful and moving anthology!