
The Wisdom of the East Series
THE DIWAN OF ABU'L-ALA
DEDICATION - TO DR. E. J. DILLON
H. B. - INTRODUCTION TO THE DIWAN - THE DIWAN OF ABU'L-ALA - APPENDIX - EDITORIAL NOTE
L. CRANMER-BYNG. S. A. KAPADIA. - NORTHBROOK SOCIETY, 158, PICCADILLY, W. - INTRODUCTION TO THE DIWAN
THE DIWAN OF ABU'L-ALA - I
APPENDIX - ON THE NAME ABU'L-ALA
A vivid anthology brings the voice of a 10th‑century Syrian poet into the English ear, weaving lyrical verses that range from tender musings on garden blossoms to contemplations of destiny under a sky of fallen stars. The poems balance delicate imagery with a quietly stirring philosophical depth, offering readers a glimpse of medieval Eastern thought that still resonates with the modern mind. Beside each translation, thoughtful notes guide listeners through the cultural and historical currents that shaped the poet’s world, inviting quiet reflection on themes of love, exile, and the eternal search for meaning.
The volume is framed by a warm dedication and an editorial mission that seeks to build bridges between East and West, presenting the Diwan as a modest ambassador of goodwill. Its introduction sets the tone for a mindful journey—an invitation to hear ancient verses spoken anew, and to feel the quiet echo of a distant yet familiar humanity.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (58K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-08-02
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

973–1057
A fiercely original poet from Syria, he turned blindness, solitude, and relentless curiosity into some of the most striking verse of the medieval Arabic world. His writing is still remembered for its sharp intellect, moral seriousness, and refusal to flatter convention.
View all books
by Abu al-Ala al-Maarri

by Order of the Eastern Star. General Grand Chapter

by Henry Adams

by Stendhal

by John Henry Newman

by Brillat-Savarin

by Honoré de Balzac

by A. T. (Andrew Taylor) Still