<DIV><p>This long-awaited sequel to the classic <i>Genesis of Arabic Narrative Discourse</i> investigates a number of crucial questions related to the genre's development. For example, can the study of this genre provide us with wider insights into the culture as a whole? And how have writers in one Arab country influenced those in others?</p><p>These are just some of the issues addressed through close reading of authors such as Yusuf Idris, 'Abd al-Rahman al-Sharqawi, and Edwar al-Kharrat, among others.</p><p><b>Sabry Hafez</b> is a professor of modern Arabic and comparative literature at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.</p></DIV>