Introduction
1 The Quran as Epic
2 The Quran as Apocalypse
3 An Apocalypse of Reunion: The epic of Joseph
4 Duality and Opposition: The apocalyptic substrate
5 Water and the Poetics of Apocalypse
6 Chaotic Cosmos and the Symmetry of Truth
7 Joycean Modernism in Quran and Tafsir
Conclusion: Epic and the domestication of apocalypse
Abbreviations
Glossary
Acknowledgements
Notes
Appendix
Bibliography
Index
A fascinating exploration, through the literary genres of epic and apocalypse, of the most widely read and recited book in the world
Todd Lawson is emeritus professor of Islamic thought at the University of Toronto. He has worked in the field of Islamic studies for over forty years, authoring numerous articles and books, and giving lectures around the world. He lives in Montreal, Canada.
‘Did James Joyce know the Quran? Todd Lawson brilliantly
demonstrates how the Quran anticipates literary modernism as
both epic and apocalypse. Its epic voice encompasses a vast
temporal and spatial canvas – the cosmos, creation, humanity,
time, history – while its chapters, singly and
collectively, evoke an apocalyptic musicality. The ‘end’, as
Lawson reminds us with lapidary prose unfolding insight upon
insight, can be instrumental as well as temporal. The apocalyptic
vision of the Quran underscores its true ‘end’: to herald
and expedite a just community living in accordance with God’s
will, enjoying both peace and prosperity. This innovative book
charts new ways of reading literary modernism as Quranic
commentary on a grand scale…’
*Bruce B. Lawrence, Marcus Family Humanities Professor of Religion
Emeritus, Duke University*
‘In this rich and erudite study of the epic and apocalyptic aspects
of the text, Lawson adopts and elucidates many of the habits of
ancient readers, and the result is a greater appreciation for the
Quran’s sweeping aesthetic, literary and spiritual grandeur.’
*Kristin Zahra Sands, Professor of Religion, Sarah Lawrence
College*
‘Lawson investigates features of the apocalyptic mode…with great
insight and critical sensitivity. He provides at once an
appreciation of the Quran’s literary power and a window into the
profound religious experience of the Quran’s audience and of early
Muslims.’
*Devin Stewart, Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Emory
University*
‘Infuses the field of Quranic Studies with a breath of fresh air.
An engaged academic, Todd Lawson demonstrates through his
scholarship the Quran’s own self-disclosure as a revelation that is
open to all humanity. The avenues of interpretation that the work
opens up have the potential to occupy generations. Not only does
Lawson’s contribution show how both Muslims and non-Muslims can
participate meaningfully in reading the Quran, the work is a vivid
reminder of a prophetic saying on the virtues of the Quran: its
wonders will never cease, and scholars will never be satiated by
its study.’
*Mahan Mirza, Professor of the Practice, Contending Modernities,
Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, Keough School of
Global Affairs*
‘The Quran, Epic and Apocalypse offers numerous fresh and important
insights regarding Islam’s most sacred text. Grounded in meticulous
analysis of the Quran’s religious and literary dimensions, this
volume takes an entirely new direction in identifying and studying
its epic and apocalyptic qualities. It is a must-read for anyone
interested in comparative religious studies, or indeed in cultural
and literary history.’
*Sebastian Günther, Professor and Chair of Arabic and Islamic
Studies, University of Göttingen*
‘By attending to the Quran’s epic as well as its apocalyptic voice,
Todd Lawson proposes to liberate Western readings of Muslim
scripture from their current obsessions. It is difficult to imagine
a timelier or more necessary scholarly intervention. And when the
Quran finally acquires the audience it deserves, i.e., one capable
of bracketing theological pre-commitments (pro or con) and
appreciating it for the re-visionary work of…literature that it is,
Professor Lawson’s book will be recognized as a major contribution
towards that long overdue cognitive shift.’
*Peter Matthews Wright, Associate Professor and Chair, Colorado
College Department of Religion*
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