Can the soul of a nation be measured by the rhythm of its verses?

Poetic Obsessions serves as the intellectual culmination of Mamdouh Adwan’s forty-year journey through the world of Arabic poetry. This critical work offers a rare, panoramic view of the poetic landscape, blending Adwan’s sharp analytical mind with his deep passion for the written word. Divided into thematic explorations and intimate literary testimonials, the book provides profound insights into the works of legendary contemporaries such as Nizar Qabbani, Amal Dunqal, and Muhammad al-Maghut, as well as emerging voices. Adwan does not merely critique; he bears witness to the evolving spirit of a generation, bridging the gap between classical tradition and modern experimentation. For anyone seeking to understand the heartbeat of Arab literary thought, this collection is an indispensable guide to the obsessions that drive the poetic soul.