Illustrator: Myriam Misk
Format: 216 x 135 mm
Page: 247
Binding: Hardcover
Language: English
Publisher: Rimal Publishing, Cyprus  
& Melisende Publishing, UK
Year: 2004
ISBN 10: 1-901764-14-1
ISBN 13: 978-1-901764-14-7

ABOUT THIS BOOK

The Fables of Kalilah and Dimnah were written in Arabic by Ibn al-Muqaffac in the middle of the eighth century AD. The tales were originally Sanskrit and then translated into Middle Persian.

The work of Ibn al-Muqaffac quickly achieved a popularity which has been maintained until the present day and his style has become one of the benchmarks of classical Arabic literature. Such was the popularity of the tales that they were translated and transposed into many different languages and later became a source of inspiration for European writers such as La Fontaine.

Saleh Sa’adeh Jallad explains in his Foreword how the political and intellectual environment of the original composition is reflected in the fables, which echo one of the perennial themes of human intellectual endeavour the potential conflict between faith and reason. The fables reveal through their human and animal characters universal aspects of human wisdom and behaviour which have an enduring appeal.

This is a completely new English translation of Kalilah wa Dimnah which presents to an ever-widening audience these delightful and significant stories.

SPOTLIGHT REVIEWS:

 
“A remarkable and informative read. A great fantasy adventure that provides insight and enjoyment from the deep literary roots of Arab storytelling.”

David Pritchard CEO of the Fat Rock Enterainment
(Emmy-winning producer of The Simpsons and King of the Hill)

“Saleh Jallad’s remarkable and engaging translation of Kalilah and Dimnah makes a classic, with its timely and universal message, come to life again for readers today”

Professor John L Esposito
Georgetown University, Washington DC

“I think it providential that at this critical time in history when we in the West are obligated to consider as never before what to make of the ancient Arabic culture that now leans heavily upon us. Saleh Jallad, educated at both American University of Cairo and the University of Notre Dame, has allowed us to read in a fine new translation their most central document after the Koran. These fables, fluently and freshly translated, are one of the best windows into the culture, just when we need some wisdom whereby to appreciate our great neighbor civilization to the East.”

Revd. James Tunstead Burtchaell, CSC, DD
Former Provost and Professor of Theology
at the University of Notre Dame

"Throughout history, heroes have engaged to remind society of what being human means amidst choices of good and evil, faith and reason, imagination and excess. One such hero is Saleh Sa’adeh Jallad, who inquires into the wisdom of the past to provide judicious counsel for present diversity in culture, age and race. Enjoy and ponder.”

Helen M. Parke, Ph.D.
Manager, Curriculum Development,
Cisco Learning Institute