The Translator of Desires
Marina Ali
Muhyiuddin ibn ‘Arabi. Trans. Michael Sells.
Princeton UP, 2021.
"It isn't by God my death I fear, but to die and never see her."
—From “Black Silver,” in The Translator of Desires
Leading Andalusi poet, Muhyiuddin Ibn ‘Arabi is as relatable in the modern era as he was when he lived in the early 13th century, which marked a time of great political and social upheaval in the Iberian Peninsula. This collection of love poems chronicles every stage and type of love, from the smitten blushes of young lovers to the yearning for one’s hometown. It follows in the footsteps of other Andalusi poetry, which emphasized romantic love and destigmatized passion in Medieval literature. The 40 pages of extra notes enhance reader’s understanding of Ibn ‘Arabi’s words by contextualizing the Arabic original within the historical milieu of his time. Some of my favorites include “Hadith of Love,” “In the Ruins of My Body,” and “Tigris Song.” This book is perfect for a quick read and even for reading aloud over ambient lighting to close companions.
—Marina Ali
You may also be interested in...
Revaluating 16th-century Ottoman Conquest of Tunisia
Although Ottomans invaded Northern Africa in 1534, the true conquest came in the following decades as settlers arrived from across the Ottoman Empire.
Noorjahan Bose: A Life of Learning
Taking inspiration from her now-deceased mother, Noorjahan Bose, a daughter of the Agunmukha, Bangladesh, now shifts her energy toward empowering other daughters.
Ancient Egyptians Still Have Things to Teach Us
Socrates and other Greek thinkers admired Egypt for its philosophical tradition. This new translation of a manuscript as old as the pyramids shows us why.