Abdullah ibn al-Mu'tazz

Abdullah ibn al-Mu'tazz was an Abbasid prince whose enduring importance rests on his work as an Arabic poet and literary critic. His *Kitab al-Badi* helped systematize discussion of Arabic poetic figures and style, while *Tabaqat al-shu'ara* reflected his broader interest in literary scholarship. He also briefly held the Abbasid caliphate during the political turmoil of 908 before being killed in the succession struggle.