Mystical Landscapes in Medieval Persian Literature - by Fatemeh Keshavarz & Ahmet T Karamustafa (Paperback)

About the Book

Examines the rich corpus of early medieval Persian mystical literature.

Book Synopsis

In this collection, Fatemeh Keshavarz and Ahmet T. Karamustafa bring together leading researchers from comparative literature, history, literary criticism and religious studies to explore the major authors and genres of medieval Persian mystical literature. Breaking out of the all-inclusive literary history framework, the contributors write on topics that have energised their scholarship over time and address areas where the literary and the mystical have mingled and led to paradigmatic creations. How can you interpret the climactic conclusion to the framing narrative of The Speech of the Birds of 'Attar of Nishapur? How did 'Aziz Nasafi understand the concept of religion? What do Rumi's conversations with the Divine tell us about his teachings and his poetry? How do medieval Persian Sufi commentators add to our understanding the Qur'an? How can we utilise Sufi manuals, life stories and utterances? All of these explorations and more bring the depth and eloquence of Persian mystical literature to life in this volume.

Review Quotes

Mystical Landscapes in Medieval Persian Literature is a remarkable example of how outstanding academic research can highlight the dazzling beauty of Persian religious literature. This splendid volume covers a rich array of subjects that have received little attention in recent years. The editors have gathered an outstanding group of scholars to write on topics ranging from translations and commentaries on the Qur'an to Persian Sufi manuals, hagiographies, collections of precepts, wisdom literature and Sufi antinomianism. The collection is greatly enriched by powerful chapters devoted to iconic Persian Sufi poets such as 'Attar, 'Eraqi, and Rumi, examining transcendental love, the notions of beauty, piety, suffering, salvation through love and the quest for divine union. This groundbreaking volume is essential for the study of Persian religious literature, Sufism and Islamic Studies.--Asghar Seyed-Gohrab, Utrecht University