Though strongly influenced by Western poetry, the work of Muhammad al-Maghut is decidedly Arab in theme. Using a set of metaphors that are new to Arab traditions, the 31 poems in this collection are both personal and political. Common to both his love poems and his works of protest is the sadness that comes from displacement and powerlessness, as well as the will to persevere in the face of evil and adversity. Fan of Swords is the first English-language collection of al-Maghut's poetry.