Exact Editions is pleased to announce that the new Spanish language version of Banipal, Revista Banipal de literatura árabe moderna, is now available for individual and institutional subscribers to purchase on the Exact Editions digital platform. The new and growing digital subscription will include all back issues published so far, beginning with Issue Number 1, published in summer 2020.

Created by Margaret Obank and Samuel Shimon in England in 1997, Banipal was originally intended to counteract the lack of Arab literature in the English-speaking world and make new and established authors from different Arab countries known, both among themselves and the rest of the world. Banipal initially was a response to the lack of available translations and the marginalisation suffered by Arab authors. Its name is taken from the Assyrian emperor Ashurbanipal who founded the world’s first library in Nineveh.

Banipal’s principal aim with its English magazine is to open an ever widening window on the diverse contemporary Arab literary scene, and make Arabic literature relevant and accessible to the widest possible audience. It continues to do so with its newest publication now offering featured works to Spanish readers.

‘Launching a digital edition of Revista Banipal is the best way, particularly in these continuing Covid-19 times, to reach the millions of Spanish speakers throughout the world. Though we only established the print edition of Revista Banipal de literatura árabe moderna in March last year it has received exceptional acclaim and enthusiastic interest.’

margaret obank, publisher of revista banipal

Revista Banipal’s digital edition gives subscribers the opportunity to read and engage with a wealth of contemporary poetry and prose from the Arab world, all in Spanish translation, as well as interviews with established and emerging authors, publishers and translators, book reviews and photo-reports of literary events. Subscribers can also search for a term, particular author or translator across a specific issue or the whole archive, as well as bookmark relevant pages and sync for offline use. 

For institutions interested in requesting a free trial of Revista Banipal, please click here.

Individuals can purchase an annual or quarterly subscription by clicking here.