Trends and movements in modern Arabic poetry

The Center for Arab Unity Studies has published the fourth edition of the book Trends and Movements in Modern Arabic Poetry by Dr. Salma Khadra Jayyusi.

The intellectual, philosophical, and cultural transformations that swept through the Arab world during the Nahda (Arab Renaissance) in the 19th and early 20th centuries brought about profound formal, structural, and thematic changes in Arabic poetry that continue to this day. However, these immense transformations in modern Arabic poetry—in terms of technique, form, tone, emotion, stance, imagery, language, and subject matter—have not received comprehensive and holistic study that could offer readers and those interested in poetry a continuous trajectory of its artistic and structural development.

This development in modern Arabic poetry was an organic one, emanating from within the art itself and proceeding along a path determined not only by social and cultural developments, but also, to a large extent, by the artistic needs dictated by art itself. Its growth was not merely an engaging narrative for those interested in modern Arabic poetry, as an expression of profound changes in all aspects of its life, but also a comprehensive and focused portrayal of a major artistic evolution that occurred in poetry over a century. Therefore, this development deserves the attention of all poetry critics in general, and those interested in the artistic development of modern Arabic poetry in particular.

In this lengthy and insightful study, the distinguished Arab writer and scholar Salma Khadra Jayyusi presents the story of modern Arab poetic geniality. Through the cumulative efforts of this geniality, Arabic poetry has continued its development over successive decades, from its renaissance in the nineteenth century to the present day, despite the numerous obstacles placed in its path by traditionalism. Therefore, when examining the achievements of this geniality, it was essential for the author to also consider the negative impact of the activities of those who hindered or attempted to hinder the development of Arabic poetry.