"The most celebrated writer of verse in the Arab world." –Adam Shatz, The New York Times Poetry from former national poet of Palestine, illustrated by original drawings by John Berger Mahmoud Darwish was the Palestinian national poet. One of the greatest poets of the last half century, his work evokes the loss of his homeland and is suffused with the pain of dispossession and exile. His poems display a brilliant acuity, a passion for and openness to the world and, above all, a deep and abiding humanity. Here, his close friends John Berger and Rema Hammami present a beautiful new translation of two of Darwish’s later works. Illustrated with original drawings by John Berger, Mural is a testimony to one of the most important and powerful poets of our age.
Mahmoud Darwish
Mahmoud Darwish (1941-2008) was a Palestinian poet and author known for his powerful and evocative works that captured the experiences of his people. His poetry often expressed themes of exile, loss, and longing for his homeland. Darwish's most famous work, "In the Presence of Absence," is considered a masterpiece of modern Arabic poetry.
His writing style was characterized by its lyrical and emotive language, as well as its deep connection to Palestinian history and culture. Darwish's contributions to literature include giving a voice to the Palestinian struggle and raising awareness of their plight to a global audience.
Darwish's impact on the literary genre of Arabic poetry is profound, as he is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. His works continue to inspire readers and writers around the world, and his legacy as a champion of Palestinian identity and culture remains enduring.