Mustafa Mughazy

Adam Sabra

Based on a study of twelve Arabic manuscripts, The Interpreter of Secrets is a critical edition of the entire surviving corpus of the poetry of Muhammad ibn Abi al-Hasan al-Bakri (930-994/1524-1586), a leading jurist, Sufi, and literary figure in sixteenth-century Cairo. The texts of the poems are accompanied by a critical apparatus including all of the plausible variant readings and alternative versions of the poems. Al-Bakri was a major literary figure, and his Sufi poetry belongs to a tradition that draws on the work of poets such as Ibn al-Farid, Ibn al-'Arabi, al-Busiri, and 'Ali Wafa. In addition to their literary value, the poems are an important source for the study of Sufi theology and practice in Ottoman Egypt, including to such topics as the cult of the saints, the use of coffee for ritual purposes, the controversial appropriation of Ibn al-?Arab?'s monist theology, and the establishment of sacred lineages. The editors have also included short Arabic and English introductions and an appendix that identifies the manuscript sources for each poem. This book will be of interest to students of Arabic literature, Sufism, and Ottoman intellectual history.

The Diwan of Sayh Muhammad b. Abi al-Hasan al-Bakri

The Interpreter of Secrets

Mughazy, a well-respected scholar of Arabic linguistics and a Georgetown Languages board member, takes a practical approach to the task of translating nonfiction from Arabic to English. Using Optimality Theory from linguistics, he provides a new way, based in linguistics, of looking at best practices for translation with the goal to find the most accurate translation. He aims to approach translation more scientifically (identify the problem, test hypotheses, selecting the best option and finding patterns) than those who use the more widely known literary translation theory. Although there are several books out on this topic, none address it as Mughazy has. This is a unique approach that offers a new, more practical way for those with advanced knowledge of Arabic to learn how to translate. As more schools begin or consider beginning translation programs, this book may find a larger audience over the years. Mughazy's book is rich with authentic examples, exercises (answer key included), and includes very valuable appendices for the learner. As Clara told me, "This is a book I wish I had had in grad school."

Mustafa Mughazy

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