Contemporary Arabic Literature

Studies Arabic literary production from the point of view of continuity and interference and the interactions between them

Discusses various topics related to the interaction between the old and the new such as world upside down, mystical tendency and science fiction
Examines the way Arabic authors draw inspiration from their ancient cultural and literary heritage
Sheds light on the role of Kafka and Virginia Woolf and other major Western authors in Arabic literature
Presents the way through which science fiction has emerged in Arabic literary writing
Explains the role of Arabic literature within world literature

Volume I examines the ways in which contemporary Arab authors communicate with two major sources of inspiration: the first, is the rich Arabic literary heritage whether it has been embodied in texts or concrete experiences, real or imaginary. The second are other cultures and literatures which have become sources for direct or indirect loans for Arabic literature. Both sources are essential for our understanding of the nature of contemporary Arabic literary works. The relationship between modern and medieval Arabic literature is indispensable; moreover, the literariness of any Arabic literary text cannot be isolated from the history of Arabic literature. Also, the role and function of Arabic literature, the nature of its literary criticism and scholarship, the relations between religious, political, and other activities within Arab culture and its literary production all may be modelled in Arab culture in relation to other culture or cultures.