Tales from the Masnavi

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About the Book The Masnavi of Jalal al -Din Rumi (1207-1273), massive poem of some 25,000 rhyming couplets, by common consent ranks among the world's greatest masterpieces of religious literature. The material which makes up the Masnavi is divisible into two different categories: theoretical discussion of the principal themes of Sufi mystical life and doctrine, and stories or fables intended to illustrate those themes as they arise. This selection of tales is the most accessible introduction to this giant epic for the non- Persian reader.

About the Author Arthur John Arberry (1905-1969) was a British orientalist, scholar, translator, editor, and author who wrote, translated, or edited about 90 books on Persian and Arab language subjects. He specialized in Sufi studies, but is also known for his excellent translation of the Quran. AJ Arberry attended Cambridge University, where he studied Persian and Arabic with R A Nicholson, an experience which he considered the turning point of his life. After graduation, Arberry worked in Cairo as head of the classics department at Cairo University. During the waryears, he worked at various posts in London to support the war effort with his linguistic skills. in 1944 Arberry was appointed to the chair of Persian at the School of Oriental and African Studies at London University, and then two years later to the chair of Arabic.

His translation of the Qur'an into English, The Koran interpreted, is one of the most prominent written by a non-Muslim scholar, and widely respected amongst academics. Arberry is also notable for introducing Rumi's works to the west through his selective translations and for translating the important anthology of medieval Andalucía Arabic poetry The Pennants of the Champions and the Standards of the Distinguished. His interpretation of Muhammad equal’s writings edited by Badiozzaman Forouzanfar, is similarly distinguished.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages