Even before Islam, poetry was at the heart of Arabic culture. It developed wherever Arabic came to be spoken, from Damascus to Fez, Baghdad to Cairo, as well as in the Arabian heartland. This book takes us on a poetic journey through the classical age of Arabic poetry, from the years AD 600-1000. This collection is newly selected and translated by T. J. Gorton. It attempts to convey the spirit and, when possible, something of the rhythms of this highly musical verse