If you are interested in reading Maqamat al-Hariri in English, there are several options available. For those seeking a more traditional approach, there are literal translations, such as The Assemblies of Al-Hariri: Fifty Encounters with the Shaykh Abu Zayd of Seruj by Amina Shah, published in 1980. This edition faithfully conveys the stories’ content while preserving their original tone.
However, Michael Cooperson’s 2020 translation, Impostures, takes a creative and unconventional approach. Inspired by Al-Hariri’s linguistic flair, Cooperson showcases the versatility of the English language by rendering each of the fifty tales in a unique style. Readers will encounter the maqamat through voices as varied as Geoffrey Chaucer, Mark Twain, Cockney rhyming slang, and Nigerian English. It makes for a very fun read!…
You're reading a preview of
Medieval World Culture & Conflict (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 16 - 2025