The Literary Atlas of Cairo

This collection of writings is Part One of a two-volume set offering a literary topography of the sociocultural, political, and urban history of the city and its representation in new modes of literary production. Mehrez (Arabic literature, the American University in Cairo) juxtaposes excerpts from novels by about 100 Egyptian and Arab writers, all residents of the city of Cairo, who represent several generations and religious and linguistic backgrounds. The book begins with a prelude that walks the reader into the city and defines the relationship between the city and the authors. The readings are divided into sections on public spaces, private spaces, and transportation as the bridge between these spaces. The book includes a b&w map of the city and a glossary of Arabic terms. It is distributed in the US by International Publishers Marketing (IPM). Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

SAMIA MEHREZ is professor of Arabic literature in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Civilization and director of the Center for Translation Studies at the American University in Cairo. She is the author of The Literary Atlas of Cairo (AUC Press, 2010).