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The Street Philosopher and the Holy Fool : A Syrian Journey  - Marius Kociejowski

The Street Philosopher and the Holy Fool

A Syrian Journey

By: Marius Kociejowski

Paperback | 2 December 2025

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The Street Philosopher and the Holy Fool presents the unexpected face of Syria. Based on five journeys, undertaken over as many years, Kociejowski's book is entirely concerned with the slow journey towards friendship. So we learn nothing about coups or conspiracies, iconic monuments or historic travellers. Instead we meet a chance handful of Syrians, such as Myrna, a Christian faith-healing stigmatic, Yasser, a Palestinian refugee and political activist, Abu al-Tahib, a prince of fools, a modern desert father, Paolo Dall'Oglio, and the street philosopher and the holy fool of the book's title.

It was written during the era of conversation, before the use of mobiles, and long before the current civil war. Saluted as a travel classic on first publication (just 12 years ago) it is now in danger of becoming a testament to the last of the old Levant.

About the Author

Marius Kociejowski is justly admired by lovers of contemporary poetry for his mastery of the craft. He has published three collections of poetry in Britain and has also published essays on various topics, mainly on people, travel and literature. Marius Kociejowski is Ontario-born but has long been resident in London, England.
Industry Reviews

'This superb book is destined, to my mind, to become a travel classic.' Adam Thorpe, Times Literary Supplement

'This approach to understanding the country

is refreshingly profound. As a poet, Kociejowski has too, the gift of getting to the nub of things...' James Owen, Daily Telegraph

'Mr Kociejowski's true theme is friendship.' Eric Ormsby, New York Sun

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