"This is a multimedia history of literary Arabic that describes the evolution of Arabic poetry and prose in the context of music, ritual performance, the arts, and architecture. This work focuses on what is unique about Arabic compared to other languages and how the distinct characteristics of Arabic took shape at various points of its history"-- Provided by publisher.

Arabic collection.

The sound and rhythm of poetry -- Music and poetry before Arabic -- recording the sound of poetry -- Rhythm from poetry, to prose, to speech -- Part two: The formation of Arabic imagery -- Imagery of the world: poetry and prose -- Imagery of the universe: arts and literature -- Imagery of man and his feelings -- The world in Arabic fiction.