Publishers in the Middle East describe how they are trying to get around daily challenges, in particular falling book sales, resulting from instability.
When a Book is a Stone: The Role of Publishing in Areas of Conflict
At the Frankfurt Book Fair’s Weltempfang stage, publishers from Nigeria, Syria, and the Ukraine discussed their experiences publishing in the midst of conflict.
Egyptian, Syrian Islamic Publishers Stay Faithful to Market
Egypt, where book sales have fallen by 50%, has given a home to several Syrian Islamic publishers who say the faithful need them as much now as before.
Syria Speaks: Writers, Artists Publish to Protest Tyranny
The new book, Syria Speaks, brings together writing, cartoons, and artwork from over fifty Syrians who stand firmly against tyranny and violence.
Syrian Author Moustafa Khalifé on Writing Post-Imprisonment
Syrian novelist Moustafa Khalifé discusses the writing his novel about his long imprisonment, ‘La Coquille,’ and the lingering effects of incarceration.
Actes Sud Editor Brings Syrian, Arabic Literature to France
Actes Sud editor Farouk Mardam-Bey is responsible for some 80% of France’s translations of Arabic literature and has put a new spotlight on Syrian works.
Publishing is Another Victim of Syria’s Civil War
Syria’s civil war has decimated the local publishing business, all-but-ending the printing and sale of new books, and forcing many publishers and authors to emigrate.
Is Poetry More Difficult to Translate Than Prose?
Translating poetry is more than just how the language is structured, but also how thoughts and emotions are structured as well, says Adonis.
Using Arabic Literature to Bridge Cultures in a Post 9/11 World
Arabia Books, celebrating its 5th anniversary, is on a mission to promote cross-cultural communication by publishing English translations of top Arabic writers.
Against Totalitarianism: Syria’s Nihad Sirees on Fiction and Morality
Exiled Syrian Novelist Nihad Sirees, whose novel The Silence and the Roar is published in the US today, reflects on the role of a novelist in the midst a totalitarian state.