Abu Nuwas (c. 756-813) was one of the greatest Arab poets of the classical period.
In literary history, he is remembered chiefly as the hard-drinking and eloquent
composer of dissolute wine poems, from which he emerges as one of the most
charismatic figures in world literature. Yet, he was in fact an all-round poet and
exerted a profound influence on Abbasid poetry more generally; he is one of a
handful of individuals who can be deemed to stand at the very heart of Arabic
literary culture. Abu Nuwas presents the entertaining life story of this legendary
figure alongside accessible translations of some of his most important poems. With
commentaries, a glossary and a guide to further reading, this book is the ideal
introduction to a true genius of Arabic literature.