In "Samih Masoud.. On the Paths of Andalusia," critic Dr. Abdulmajid Itmaizah examines the journey the former undertook to Andalusia. He delves into the semiotics of the title and the symbols embedded within the book, including a dedication by Masoud to Palestinian fighters Najati Sidqi and Ali Abdulkhaliq, who fought in Spain against Franco's dictatorship. Itmaizah also focuses on Masoud's note of thanks, highlighting its significance beyond mere courtesy. It sheds light on the efforts of Spanish Arabists in showcasing the stature of Arab civilization in Andalusia, their role in transferring knowledge to Europe, and emphasizes the values of tolerance that defined Arab culture at the time. The author then categorizes the book within the genre of travel literature, tracing the history of this form which bridges history and literature and encompasses knowledge tied to visual and recorded memory. He notes that the author possesses a broad culture, perseverance, and a keen eye for every sign and symbol that enriches the journey's concept and meaning. Itmaizah summarizes travel literature as belonging to the study of "imagology" and the examination of customs, traditions, and their regional impacts, noting its ancient roots in Arab history, dating back to the dawn of time. He doesn't limit his classification of "On the Paths of Andalusia" to just travel literature; he reads it as a literary, documentary, cognitive, and analytical historical text. The author reflects on this genre, which flourished during the golden ages of Arab history, explaining its characteristics, styles, and aesthetics. He points out that Dr. Samih Masoud, through his physical journey, added a temporal dimension enriched by his culture, knowledge, and extensive awareness in art, poetry, cinema, and modern history, all conveyed with elegant phrasing and artistic imagery that stirs the reader's emotions and wonder.

• Author: Dr. Abdulmajid Jaber Itmaizah
• Publisher: Alan Publishers and Distributors
• Year of Publication: 2019
• Edition: 1
• Number of Pages: 142
• Size (cm): 14.5 × 21
• Weight (g): 175
• ISBN: 978-9923-13-097-1