Ahmad al-Tifashi | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1184 Tiffech,Souk Ahras,Algeria |
| Died | 1253 Cairo, Egypt |
| Occupation | Poet, Writer, Anthologist |
| Language | Arabic |
| Genres | Poetry, Anthology |
| Notable works | A Promenade of the Hearts (نزهة الألباب) |
Ahmad al-Tifashi whose full name isShihab al-Din Abu al-Abbās Aḥmad ibn Yusuf al-Ḳaysi al-Tifachi[1] (Arabic:أحمد بن يوسف القيسي التيفاشي),[2] born inTiffech, a village inSouk Ahras inAlgeria (1184 – died 1253 inCairo) was anArabic poet, writer, and anthologist, best known for his workA Promenade of the Hearts (نزهة الألباب).[3][4]
Little is known of al-Tifashi's life. He appears to have lived mostly inTunis,Cairo, andDamascus, although he may even have been nomadic. He was highly educated and cultured. He compiledA Promenade of the Hearts, a 12-chapter anthology ofArabic poetry andjokes about erotic and sexual practices, that featured both heterosexual andhomoerotic entries with a bias towards the latter.
A French translation byRené R. Khawam, based on an Arabic copy held inParis, was published asLes Délices des cœurs par Ahmad al-Tifachi (1971 and 1981).
A scholarly translation byEdward A. Lacey of the homoerotic sections was published in English asThe Delight of Hearts, or What You Will Not Find In Any Book (1988). This version won aLambda Literary Award in 1989.
al-Tifashi also wrote several treatises concerned with sexual hygiene, one of which is preserved in a copy at TheNational Library of Medicine. He is, however, primarily known for hislapidary, which was the most famous and most comprehensive medieval Arabic treatise on the use of minerals. It covers 25 gems and minerals in great detail, giving medicine and magical uses for each as well as somePersian etymologies of the names. It is preserved in numerous manuscript copies and was used by many subsequent writes.
For his life and writings, see:
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