Truth and Narrative

<p>'Ayn al-Qudat is one of the great multi-dimensional geniuses of Islamic intellectual history and has even been described as the true father of deconstructionism, yet he remains little known and even less understood in the English speaking world. Hamid Dabashi has filled this gap with a compelling and sophisticated analysis of this seminal 12th century writer and thinker. Prof. Dabashi frees 'Ayn al-Qudat from the static categorizations of mystic, philosopher, theologian, poet or social critic and allows the dynamism and subversive thrust of his life and intellect to emerge. Untimely thoughts provides a clearly written critical introduction to the intellectual, literary, religious and philosophical struggles of the time as expressed by one of Islam's greatest and most radical writers.</p> Introduction: a matter of method; the birth of an individual; sign of a time; the mad game of writing begins; the brothers al-Ghazali and beyond; I, Ayn al Qudat; a book full of preparation; letters with no papers...; ...to write on; apologia; the death of an individual; the man dies, the legacy unfolds. Conclusion: truth and narrative.