Leonard Lewisohn – författare

The notion of esoteric knowledge is one of the pillars of Islamic intellectual tradition. Though most visible in Sufism, it also dominated the first three and a half centuries of Shi‘ite thought.In this rich anthology, Leonard Lewisohn explores Islamic esotericism through the works of eleven authors who flourished in Persia, Central Asia and Asia Minor from the eleventh to the nineteenth centuries. He presents excerpts from each text in translation, accompanying these with introductions to the author’s life, works and thought. In the course of his erudite and enlightening commentary, he explores the common ground of esoteric thought and terminology, revealing a unity of perspective among Muslim thinkers.

I.B.Tauris in association with the Iran Heritage FoundationAfter six hundred years, the Persian lyrical poet Hafiz (d. 1389) still remains the most popular poet in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and other parts of Central Asia where Persian is spoken today as the mother tongue. Imitated by the likes of Goethe in Germany, venerated by Tennyson in England and Emerson in the United States during the nineteenth century, he continues to attract attention and inspire admirers worldwide. Hafiz’s masterful use of the rhetorical arts, his poetic devices and his skill in imagery are acclaimed as the benchmark of lyrical excellence in Persian. Yet the undying cult of Hafiz’s popularity owes as much to his fascinating cosmopolitan romantic vision as to the exceptionally high calibre of his poetry.This important volume is not only the first study to date of the philosophical, theological and mystical bases of Hafiz’s erotic spirituality but the most comprehensive introduction to the poet’s romantic philosophy, literary tradition, poetry and biography yet published in any European language. It situates for the first time Hafiz’s rhetoric of romance within the broader context of ‘Love Theory’ in Arabic and Persian poetry. The work will appeal not only to students of Islamic philosophy, Sufism and Middle Eastern studies but also to a wider audience interested in comparative poetics, Eastern literature and spirituality, medieval romance and the philosophy of love.

The first volume in a three-volume set, this is a study of the rise of Persian Sufi spirituality and literature in Islam during the first six Muslim centuries. This collection of 24 essays covers the key achievements of the Muslim intellectual and cultural tradition in history, mysticism, philosophy and poetry. It demonstrates the positive role played by Sufi thinkers during this period. The subjects covered include: Sufi masters and schools; literature and poetry; spiritual chivalry; divine love; Persian Sufi literature - Rumi and 'Attar.

This collection - the second of a three-volume study - examines the roots of the artistic, literary and cultural renaissance of Sufism from the 12th to the 15th centuries. It includes essays on Rumi's poetry and imagery; Sufi music and the idea of ecstacy; sainthood and Neoplatonism; comparative metaphysics and literature; and unity of religion theory in Sufi philosophy.

This comprehensive study is unique in its chronological breadth, intellectual diversity and historical scope and which demonstrates the central role played by Sufism in Persianate culture in Iran, Central Asia and India

Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, possesses a rich artistic heritage, drawing on poetry, music, art and dance to reflect the ecstasy its followers derive from the presence of divine love. Featuring extracts from a wide range of Sufi writers and poets, including the legendary Jalal al-Din Rumi, this delightful anthology distils the profound wisdom of Sufism into a single volume. Capturing the very essence of the mystical path, and conveying the intense intoxication found in nearness to God, these extracts also offer sage advice on the cultivation of such virtues as forbearance, humility, and good humour. For those who seek enlightenment, a glimpse of divine truth, or simply refuge from the material chaos of modern life, this wealth of spiritual guidance will be treasured forever.