Abū ʻUmar Aḥmad ibn Ḥarbūn: min shuʻarāʼ al-adab al-tārīkhī fī al-Andalus

This book offers a focused study on Abu Omar Ahmed bin Harboun, a poet active during the Almohad state. It highlights his role as a defender of the state, who documented historical events, praised its rulers, and called for allegiance. The author notes that Ibn Harboun composed over 600 verses, with sources cited, providing a valuable academic resource. Reviewers appreciated the book's concise length, which makes it an accessible read for those interested in its subject matter.

However, some readers found the book challenging to engage with, describing it as a tedious study that was difficult to complete in one sitting. The quality of Ibn Harboun's poetry, as presented through selections, did not impress all readers, with one reviewer finding it lacked strength and poetic depth. This sentiment was partly attributed to a personal dislike for poetry perceived as flattery, and a belief that Ibn Harboun's work did not reach the caliber of other prominent Almohad poets.

In conclusion, this book serves as a scholarly examination of a historical poet and his contributions to the Almohad state. While its brevity can be a strong point, its academic nature and the specific style of poetry discussed might not appeal to all. It would best suit readers interested in historical poetry, the Almohad period, or those conducting academic research on the role of poets in historical states, particularly if they prioritize historical context over purely aesthetic poetic merit.