We Wrote in Symbols

The first anthology of its kind, it features writing by women of Arab heritage on lust and erotica from female, male, gay and transgender perspectives.

Brings together the most exciting writers today, both emerging and established, including Hanan Al Shaykh, Leila Aboulela, Leila Slimani (Prix Goncourt and Debut Novel of the Year at the British Book Awards winner; Sunday Times Top 100 Novels of the 21st Century); and Isabella Hammad (author of the acclaimed novel The Parisian).

The collection will also include both newly commissioned pieces, and work drawn from early Arab erotic writings, many sourced from the collection Classical Poems by Arab Women (isbn: 9780863560477), published by Saqi Books in 2001 .

Strong trade appeal for a competitively priced title.

Compiled of work originally written in Arabic, French and English, We Wrote in Symbols will reveal the skill of women writers over the centuries in conveying the complexities, intrigues and thrill of navigating the physical dimensions of love.

Comprising poetry and prose, from the classical and modern periods, the anthology will span a period of 4,000 years, with some pieces being made available in English for the first time.