Farid Al-Din Attar

Considered one of the great Sufi poets in his native country, Farid al-Din Attar (1142-1220) is not as well known to Western readers. He ran an apothecary in his early years; after hearing the many troubles of his clients, he left his trade to travel abroad. During his travels, he met many Sufi mystics and, eventually, became one himself. His best-known work is the allegorical Mantiq Al-Tayr, or Conference of the Birds, about a flock who fly the world in search of their leader. His poetry was a source of inspiration to many, including Rumi, who said of him: "Attar roamed the seven cities of love -- We are still just in one alley".

Nizami Ganjavi (1141-1209) was the pseudonym of Ilyas Yusuf Oglu Nizami.   He was from the Ganja region of what is now Azerbaijan.  It is said that he never travelled outside of his own country, but it is known that he was a very learned man: in addition to his own language, he spoke Persian and Arabic, and studied astronomy, alchemy and philosophy.  He is especially remembered for being a "people's poet;" he seems to have routinely shunned opportunities to be a court poet, a considerably prestigious post at the time, which would have brought significant wealth and political influence.  Nizami's poetry reflects the concerns of many of the people of his times: virtue, man's destiny, love and passion.  His epic Layla and Majnun is interpreted by Sufi mystics as being a parable for the seeker's union with God the beloved.

Today, Nizami is best known for his Khamseh, or five epic poems.  These works, together with what remains of his lyrical poems, have made him a very influential figure in the Near East, Europe and into Russia.

OCLC ISBN	Description	Q	Price
609025693 9645070570	Attar, Farid Al-Din. Talkh va Shirin (Bitter and Sweet). 38 pages, ill., 24 cm. Adapted with younger readers in mind, this book features imaginative illustrations which will entertain and inspire for years to come.  Text entirely in Persian. Editor: B. Bagheri. Tehran: Taher, Persian Year 1385 (CE 2006). Softcover. Out of Stock	0	$9.99
609025608 9645070597	Ganjavi, Nizami. Eshke Shirin va Khosrow. 80 pages, ill, 24 cm. Adapted for children by Mahnaz Seyed Javad-e Javaheri, this romantic tale features illustrations to entertain and inspire younger readers. Text entirely in Persian. Tehran: Taher, 2006. Softcover.  Out of Stock	0	$9.99