Early Arabic poetry is notoriously difficult for a range of reasons. It is the work of people of a very alien milieu - the great composers were camel-dependent nomads. It has an extraordinarily rich vocabulary. Its grammar has many complications that do not survive in the later language. Its texts were transmitted orally for up to two-and-a-half centuries and there are serious problems about authenticity. Yet, later poetry stems from it, and it is important for our understanding of the language and ideas current in Arabia at the rise of Islam. It therefore cannot be avoided by serious students. After an introduction covering the major background problems, this book - originally published in 1992 and now reprinted - analyzes fifteen poems in minute detail and provides the student with all the information needed to understand the texts and the accompanying translation, considering each poem's overall thrust and purpose. The poems are taken from two of the more vivid genres - laments and poems by outlaws. Following the commentaries, the translations and texts are printed again in separate sections, to allow for further study without the notes.