The Superiority of Dogs Book – Stories and Poetry by Ibn al-Marzuban

The Superiority of Dogs Book – Stories and Poetry by Ibn al-Marzuban

The Superiority of Dogs by Ibn al-Marzuban is a classical literary work inspired by a conversation in 10th-century Baghdad. The book contains stories, anecdotes, and poems that criticize human weaknesses and highlight the loyalty, bravery, and intelligence of dogs.

From Author:

Page 01
LITERARY HERITAGE SERIES
the
superiority dogs
Ibn al-Marzuban
Page 02
CONTENTS
Preface
Chapter One: The author
Chapter Two: Fadl al-kilab
A. Its presentation, language and style
B. Its place in Arabic literature
Chapter Three: The edition and translation
A. The printed texts
B. The manuscripts
C. The edition
D. The translation
Chapter Four: Attitudes of the Arabs to the dog
Chapter Five: Biographical index
Translation of the Fadl
Page 03
Preface
Ye! Who perchance behold this simple urn, Pass on it honours none you wish to mourn: To mark a friend's remains these stones arise; I never knew but one, -and here he lies.
This brief literary collection, Fadl al-kilab, appears to have owed its conception to a conversation between the collector, Ibn al-Marzuban, and a friend in 4th /10th century Iraq. Not that the two disagreed and the latter was demanding proof of man's moral decline as opposed to dog's consistently praiseworthy be- haviour, for Ibn al-Marzuban's friend was clearly in accord with his own sentiments. Indeed, he may have offered his own liter- ary proof of their feelings, though all which is left here is that of Ibn alMarzuban.
It is perhaps not surprising that our author and his friend felt the need to indulge in questioning the conduct and attitudes of their fellow men. For the political and economic situation in the Abbasid empire at that time must have increased the feeling of nostalgia among its population and certainly not least among the inhabitants of Iraq.
However, this nostalgia was not a new phenomenon among the Arabs in this age, for it existed before and after the time of our author. Desert life with all its isolation, hardship and the need to be constantly on the move demanded of its people absolute mu- tual trust and confidence within the tribal unit. This is depicted clearly in early proverbs and poetry. With the coming of Islam this emphasis on trust was cemented into a sense of total broth- erhood where the community as a whole was considered like an enormous human body. When one limb is ailing, the rest of the body responds with fever and sleeplessness.
These values of trust and friendship have persisted in the
Page 04
LITERARY HERITAGE SERIES
the
superiority dogs
This collection of stories and poetry was inspired by a conversation in 10th Century Baghdad between the collector and a friend.
Between them they contemplate the declining moral standards of the human race and sigh with nostalgia for 'the good old days', when one could depend upon the loyalty and friendship of one's fellow beings.
Having promised such a collection to his friend,
Ibn al-Marzuban launches with enthusiasm into his task.
Quotations of the famous are followed by anecdotes and stories which in turn give way to an apposite poem - all either decrying man for his evil ways or illustrating the fine qualities displayed by his best friend, the dog, viz, his loyalty, guarding instinct, consistency, intelligence and his capabilities as a hunter.

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Page 01
LITERARY HERITAGE SERIES
the
superiority dogs
Ibn al-Marzuban
Page 02
CONTENTS
Preface
Chapter One: The author
Chapter Two: Fadl al-kilab
A. Its presentation, language and style
B. Its place in Arabic literature
Chapter Three: The edition and translation
A. The printed texts
B. The manuscripts
C. The edition
D. The translation
Chapter Four: Attitudes of the Arabs to the dog
Chapter Five: Biographical index
Translation of the Fadl
Page 03
Preface
Ye! Who perchance behold this simple urn, Pass on it honours none you wish to mourn: To mark a friend's remains these stones arise; I never knew but one, -and here he lies.
This brief literary collection, Fadl al-kilab, appears to have owed its conception to a conversation between the collector, Ibn al-Marzuban, and a friend in 4th /10th century Iraq. Not that the two disagreed and the latter was demanding proof of man's moral decline as opposed to dog's consistently praiseworthy be- haviour, for Ibn al-Marzuban's friend was clearly in accord with his own sentiments. Indeed, he may have offered his own liter- ary proof of their feelings, though all which is left here is that of Ibn alMarzuban.
It is perhaps not surprising that our author and his friend felt the need to indulge in questioning the conduct and attitudes of their fellow men. For the political and economic situation in the Abbasid empire at that time must have increased the feeling of nostalgia among its population and certainly not least among the inhabitants of Iraq.
However, this nostalgia was not a new phenomenon among the Arabs in this age, for it existed before and after the time of our author. Desert life with all its isolation, hardship and the need to be constantly on the move demanded of its people absolute mu- tual trust and confidence within the tribal unit. This is depicted clearly in early proverbs and poetry. With the coming of Islam this emphasis on trust was cemented into a sense of total broth- erhood where the community as a whole was considered like an enormous human body. When one limb is ailing, the rest of the body responds with fever and sleeplessness.
These values of trust and friendship have persisted in the
Page 04
LITERARY HERITAGE SERIES
the
superiority dogs
This collection of stories and poetry was inspired by a conversation in 10th Century Baghdad between the collector and a friend.
Between them they contemplate the declining moral standards of the human race and sigh with nostalgia for 'the good old days', when one could depend upon the loyalty and friendship of one's fellow beings.
Having promised such a collection to his friend,
Ibn al-Marzuban launches with enthusiasm into his task.
Quotations of the famous are followed by anecdotes and stories which in turn give way to an apposite poem - all either decrying man for his evil ways or illustrating the fine qualities displayed by his best friend, the dog, viz, his loyalty, guarding instinct, consistency, intelligence and his capabilities as a hunter.