Stories and Scenes from Mount Lebanon

About the Book

At the outbreak of civil war in 1975 Mahmoud Khalil Saab realised that Lebanon would be changed forever. A man with a deep love for his country, he immediately set about recording eye-witness accounts of terrible events as they unfolded, as well as stories and anecdotes passed down from one generation to the next.

Drawing upon historical documents and old folkloric tales of wrestling bears, sword sparring, and dancing goats, these stories convey not only the horrors of war, but also the rich social and religious diversity of a country whose legacy of generosity, courage and tolerance is rapidly being eroded by a climate of greed.

Stories and Scenes is a moving testament to the pride and heritage of this ‘small beautiful country’.

About the Author

Mahmoud Khalil Saab was born in 1909 in Choueifat, Lebanon. He taught political science at the American University of Beirut, was Director of an elementary and secondary school, and Director of Public Relations for the Trans-Arabian Pipeline Company. He was the author of Stories and Scenes from Mount Lebanon. The Arabic version of this book was published posthumously in 1976.

About the Translator

Tammam Abushakra is an attorney and the author’s grandson. He lives in Cairo.

Reviews

'A literary and intellectual feast … a novel outlook on life in the narrowness of its individuality and the breadth of its humanity.’
Dr Jabbour Abdelnour