The Performing Arts in Medieval Islam (Islamic History and Civilization)

This is a study of the life and work of Ibn Dniyl (d. 1310), a Cairo-based eye doctor, poet, playwright, court jester, and arguably one of the most controversial cultural figures of his time. Drawing on medieval Arabic sources, many still in manuscript and some used for the first time, the author further contextualizes Ibn Dniyls work with respect to poetry production and popular culture in the Islamic Near East in the post-Mongol period. The book also presents the first full English translation of The Phantom, one of Ibn Dniyls three shadow plays, the only surviving pre-Ottoman Arabic theatrical texts.