Abstract | Keywords | Export | Availability | Bookmark

Choose an application

• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

How widespread was authorship among rulers in the premodern Islamic world? The writings of different types of rulers in different regions and periods are analyzed in this book, from the early centuries in the central lands of Islam to 19th century Sudan. The composition of poetry appears as the most fertile area for authorship among rulers. Prose writings show a wide variety, from astrology to bookmaking, from autobiography to creeds. Some of the rulers made claims to special knowledge, but in all cases authorship played a special role in the construction of the rulers' authority and legitimacy.

Arabic literature--History and criticism. . --- Kings and rulers as authors--Islamic countries--History. --- Kings' and rulers' writings--History and criticism --- Politics in literature. --- Authority in literature. --- Legitimacy of governments in literature. --- Arabic literature --- Kings and rulers as authors --- Kings' and rulers' writings --- Politics in literature --- Authority in literature --- Legitimacy of governments in literature