Blog Article
In the first full length study of John Milton's influence in the Arab world, Dr Islam Issa reveals the poet's influence on major events in the region.
搁别蝉别补谤肠丑别谤蝉听
Research background
Dr Islam Issa 's book,听Milton in the Arab Muslim World,听别虫辫濒辞谤别蝉听the impact the work of 17迟丑听Century poet John Milton had on major events in the region such as the Arab Spring and the Syrian Uprising of 2011. It is the first full-length study of the reception of Milton's writings in the Arab-Muslim world.听
Research approach and findings
In his research for the book Dr Issa uncovered the popularity of Milton鈥檚 work in the Middle East, particularly due to the shared elements of the Bible and the Quran found in听Paradise Lost听and the writer鈥檚 position as a republican and anti-establishment figurehead.听It also found the rise in popularity of听Paradise Lost听in the area coincided with the Arab Spring protests across the Middle East that even included strong support for the work by members of听President Assad鈥檚 government publications.
He听argues that how largely ignored people and societies perceive literary works can provide an insight into how culture develops and influences society, politics and ideology.听Egyptian interpretations of Milton showed the importance of self-change without external intervention, and so unlike the public toppling of Saddam Hussain in Iraq, a self-made uprising eventually overthrew long-serving President Hosni Mubarak.
The book also highlights the lack of emphasis placed on German readings of Milton鈥檚 work, instead focussing on the established Anglo-American viewpoints, demonstrating the cultural gap between the UK and Europe that may have influenced the EU听referendum results.
Research outputs
The book听听was awarded the听Outstanding First Book of 2016 from the Milton Society of America.