Jabra Ibrahim Jabra (1920- 1994), a major figure in Arabic letters, is the author of the highly acclaimed novel The Ship.

Roger Allen is professor of Arabic language and literature at the University of Pennsylvania. He is author of The Arabic Novel: An Historical and Critical Introduction, published by Syracuse University Press.

Adnan Haydar is a director of the Arabic program and professor of Arabic and comparative literature at the University of Arkansas. He has coauthored and coedited five books, including Naguib Mahfouz: From Regional Fame to Global Recognition, published by Syracuse University Press.