'In scope, documentation, analysis and argument, Roger Allen's book is a welcome contribution, a masterpiece that deserves the best of scholarly appreciation and the right presence among texts in the field. It is a book that should appear on every reading list for courses and seminars in Arabic studies.' Journal of Arabic Literature

• Preface; Note on translation, transliteration and further reading; Chronology; 1. An essay on precedents and principles; 2. The contexts of the literary tradition; 3. The Qur'an: sacred text and cultural yardstick; 4. Poetry; 5. Belletristic prose and narrative; 6. Drama; 7. The critical tradition; Guide to further reading; Index.

'In scope, documentation, analysis and argument, Roger Allen's book is a welcome contribution, a masterpiece that deserves the best of scholarly appreciation and the right presence among texts in the field. It is a book that should appear on every reading list for courses and seminars in Arabic studies.' Journal of Arabic Literature

• Preface; Note on translation, transliteration and further reading; Chronology; 1. An essay on precedents and principles; 2. The contexts of the literary tradition; 3. The Qur'an: sacred text and cultural yardstick; 4. Poetry; 5. Belletristic prose and narrative; 6. Drama; 7. The critical tradition; Guide to further reading; Index.

'In scope, documentation, analysis and argument, Roger Allen's book is a welcome contribution, a masterpiece that deserves the best of scholarly appreciation and the right presence among texts in the field. It is a book that should appear on every reading list for courses and seminars in Arabic studies.' Journal of Arabic Literature

• Preface; Note on translation, transliteration and further reading; Chronology; 1. An essay on precedents and principles; 2. The contexts of the literary tradition; 3. The Qur'an: sacred text and cultural yardstick; 4. Poetry; 5. Belletristic prose and narrative; 6. Drama; 7. The critical tradition; Guide to further reading; Index.