Al-Mutanabbi
![1917 drawing of al-Mutanabbi by [[Kahlil Gibran]]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/Al-Mutanabbi_by_Kahlil_Gibran.png)
He started writing poetry when he was nine years old. He is well known for his sharp intelligence and wittiness. Among the topics he discussed were courage, the philosophy of life, and the description of battles. As one of the greatest, most prominent and influential poets in the Arabic language, much of his work has been translated into over 20 languages worldwide.
His great talent brought him very close to many leaders of his time, whom he extolled in return for money and gifts. His political ambitions, however, ultimately soured his relations with his patrons and his egomania may have cost him his life when the subjects of some of his verse attacked him. Provided by Wikipedia
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