The Diwan of Abu'l-Ala: Poetry Guide and Free Edition
The Diwan of Abu'l-Ala: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Diwan of Abu'l-Ala is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Abu al-Ala al-Maarri (973–1057).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Diwan of Abu'l-Ala" by Henry Baerlein is a collection of poetry originally penned by the renowned Syrian poet Abu'l-Ala al-Maarri during the early medieval period, around the 10th to 11th centuries. This volume serves as a reflection of al-Maarri's life experiences, philosophical musings, and his thoughts on religion, existence, and human nature, all conveyed through his poignant and complex verses. The work explores themes such as the transience of life, the pursuit of wisdom, and a critique of social norms and religious practices. The collection presents a variety of quatrains that capture the essence of al-Maarri's contemplative and sometimes cynical view of the world. With a distinctive style characterized by vivid imagery and thought-provoking metaphors, he addresses key motifs such as the inevitability of death, the burden of existence, and the pursuit of truth amidst life's uncertainties. Al-Maarri’s work is not merely an artistic expression; it is also a profound commentary on the human condition, challenging readers to reflect on their beliefs and the way they live their lives. "The Diwan of Abu'l-Ala" invites readers on a philosophical journey as it encapsulates the depth of al-Maarri's socio-cultural context while remaining relevant to contemporary reflection on existence.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Diwan of Abu'l-Ala
- Author credits: Abu al-Ala al-Maarri (973–1057)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Arabic poetry -- Translations into English
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Philosophy & Ethics
- Category: Poetry
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


