Esoteric Traditions in Islamic Thought
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.
Review:
'Lewisohn gives us so much with this splendid collection of beautiful, perspicacious translations. There is no one of his generation who has contributed more to the study of Sufism and mysticism in Islam.'
-- Todd Lawson, Emeritus Associate Professor, University of Toronto'A joy to read, a nourishment for the heart and mind, and for the specialist and non-specialist alike. The study of esotericism and what is called erfan in Iran desperately needed just this sourcebook ... There was no better person than Lenny Lewisohn to put it together.'
-- Sajjad H. Rizvi, Professor of Islamic Intellectual History, University of Exeter'A remarkable collection of beautifully and clearly translated texts from the Islamic esoteric tradition, rendered with sensitivity and fluidity of expression from the original Arabic and Persian. In this work, published posthumously, Lewisohn demonstrates his nearly unparalleled mastery of Islamic esotericism and its literary expressions in both languages.'
-- Maria M. Dakake, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, George Mason University