Talat S. Halman
Edited by Jayne L. Warner
Paper $9.95
| 978-0-8156-0958-2
| 2010
Description
From Orhon inscriptions to Orhan Pamuk, the story of Turkish literature
from the eighth century a.d. to the present day is rich and complex, full
of firm traditions and daring transformations. Spanning a wide geographic
range from Outer Mongolia and the environs of China through
the Middle East all the way to Europe, the history of Turkish literature
embraces a multitude of traditions and influences. All have left their
imprint on the distinctive amalgam that is uniquely Turkish.
Always receptive to the nurturing values, aesthetic tastes, and
literary penchants of diverse civilizations, Turkish culture succeeded in
evolving a sui generis personality. It clung to its own established traits,
yet it was flexible enough to welcome innovations—and even revolutionary
change.
A Millennium of Turkish Literature tells the story of how literature
evolved and grew in stature on the Turkish mainland over the course
of a thousand years. The book features numerous poems and extracts,
most in fluid translations by Halman. This volume provides a concise,
but captivating, introduction to Turkish literature and, with selections from
its extensive "Further Reading" section, serves as an invaluable guide to
Turkish literature for course adoption.
Author, Editor
Talat S. Halman is professor and chairman of the Department of Turkish
Literature at Bilkent University in Ankara. Formerly he was on the faculties
of Columbia University, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania,
and New York University. Halman is the author and editor of more
than eighty books, including Nightingales and Pleasure Gardens, The
Turkish Muse, and A Brave New Quest. He is also the editor of the
Journal of Turkish Literature.
Jayne L. Warner is the director of research
at the Institute for Aegean Prehistory in Greenwich, Connecticut.
6 x 9, 200 pages, suggested readings, index
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