Born in Syria in 1930, Adonis later moved to Lebanon and became a pivotal figure in the new poetry of the late 1960s. With the publication ofMihyar of Damascus: His Songsin 1963—widely viewed as a watershed moment in Arabic poetry—Adonis forged a new set of possibilities for Arabic poetry, writing in traditional meters but infusing them with modernist rhythms, styles, and conceptual complexities.
TranslatorsAdnan Haydar(University of Arkansas in Fayetteville) andMichael Beard(University of North Dakota) co-edit a series of books,Middle East Literature in Translation, for Syracuse University Press.
While Adonis is a recognizable and respected world poet, there are only two previous full-length translations of his poetry available in this country. Mihyar of Damascus, His Songs, marked a watershed moment in Arabic poetry when it was published in 1961. It also marked a shift toward more modern, experimental writing for the already famous Adonis. Co-translators Adnan Haydar and Michael Beard have worked with Adonis on this translation and have the poet's blessing on the book. They are recognized Arabic literature scholars and have written an informative and highly readable introduction to the collection. This book will serve as a wonderful introduction to the poetry of Adonis for new readers, and further his reputation among current fans. If, as we suspect, Adonis is short-listed for the Nobel Prize again this year, the book will take on even more significance. And sales!
Translator readings in Arabic and English in Fayetteville, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; New York, NY; Grand Forks, ND
This breakthrough collection by a major world poet established a new direction in Arabic poetry.
Lannan Foundation funds will provide additional marketing dollars for this title. 50 perfect-bound galleys will be printed and circulated to media. 750 postcards will bl£,
![Mihyar of Damascus: His Songs [Hardcover]](/itemImage/2/7/2/4/2_350288.jpg)