Toorawa re-evaluates the literary history and landscape of third to ninth century Baghdad by demonstrating and emphasizing the significance of the important transition from a predominantly oral-aural culture to an increasingly literate one. This transformation had a profound influence on the production of learned and literary culture; modes of transmission of learning; nature and types of literary production; nature of scholarly and professional occupations and alliances; and ranges of meanings of certain key concepts, such as plagiarism. In order to better understand these, attention is focused on a central but understudied figure, Ibn Abi Tahir Tayfur (d. 280 to 893), a writer, schoolmaster, scholar and copyist, member of important literary circles, and a significant anthologist and chronicler. This book will appeal to anyone interested in Arabic literary culture and history, and those with an interest in books, writing, authorship and patronage.
Author(s): Shawkat Toorawa
Edition: 1
Year: 2005
Language: English
Pages: 232
Book Cover......Page 1
Half-Title......Page 2
Series Title......Page 3
Title......Page 4
Copyright......Page 5
Dedication......Page 6
Contents......Page 8
Preface......Page 9
Acknowledgements......Page 10
Note on translitertion and dating......Page 12
Glossary......Page 13
Abbreviations......Page 14
introduction......Page 16
1 From memory to written record......Page 22
2 The presence and insistence of books......Page 33
3 Reciting poetry, telling tales......Page 50
4 Being a bookman......Page 66
5 Navigating partisan shoals......Page 86
6 Precedence and contest......Page 102
7 The "BAD BOYS" of Baghdad......Page 117
Envoi......Page 138
Notes......Page 145
Bibliography......Page 195
Index......Page 223
