"A fascinating look at how one of the Western world's most iconic literary characters has been appropriated by Arabs as a symbol of secularism, nationalism, or Islamism, depending on the prevailing political mood. Hamlet's Arab Journey is not just a brilliant work of literary analysis--it is a wholly new way of thinking about modern Arab literary and political culture. Indeed, Litvin presents readers with a fresh interpretation of Arab history in the twentieth century, one told through the lens of perhaps the most famous play in the world. This is bold, clever, and fresh scholarship, written in clear and accessible prose, and intended for anyone who cares about the power of literature to transform society--for good or bad."--Reza Aslan, author No god but God and Beyond Fundamentalism "In this highly commendable book, Litvin looks at the cultural and political reasons that explain readings of Hamlet through different intervals in recent Arab history. The book's topic is wonderfully chosen and argued, and will gather the attention of a wide range of readers."--Muhsin Jassim Al-Musawi, Columbia University "Presenting a strong and convincing argument, fascinating details, good historical contextualization, and a fast-paced narrative, this engrossing book shows how various productions and manifestations of Hamlet are in conversation with each other and with an enormous range of intellectual and artistic regions in the Arab world. It will reanimate conversations amongst various audiences interested in contemporary Arab cultural creation, the interplay of politics and culture, and of course, Shakespeare.

"--Marilyn Booth, University of Edinburgh.