THIS SERIES is devoted to the men and women throughout history who have made a significant contribution to the political, intellectual and religious landscape of the Muslim world. Each title combines first-rate scholarship with a strong emphasis on readability, and will serve as a perfect introduction for lay readers and academics alike.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Philip F. Kennedy is Associate Professor of Middle Eastern and islamic Studies and Comparative Literature at New York University. His published works include 'The Wine Song in Classical Arabic Poetry: Abu Nuwas and the Literary Tradition'.

REVIEWS
Geert Jan van Gelder - Laudian Professor of Arabic, Oxford University 'Philip has written a very good book on the great (in my view) greatest Arabic poet, Abu Nuwas... The literary analysis is generally excellent, balanced and erudite.'