This book is a selection of works by Abu'l-Ala Al-Maarri, known for his atheist and antinatalist views. He was also a strong supporter of veganism, which he proclaimed in his poems. The following lines are the example: "Do not unjustly eat fish the water has given up, And do not desire as food the flesh of slaughtered animals, or the white milk of mothers who intended its pure draught for their young, not noble ladies."