HAFIZ: POEMS OTHER THAN GHAZALS Masnavis, Qasidas, Mukammas, Tarji-band, Tarikh-band, Bino Rhymes, Ruba'is, Qit'as. Translation & Introduction Paul Smith The beauty of this verse is beyond an explanation; to splendour of the sun does a person need a guide? Blessings be on brush of the painter who gave such wonderful beauty as this to meaning's virgin bride. Regarding its beauty, reason can't find comparison; regarding its grace, comparison nature can't provide. This verse is either a miracle or it is of true magic... these words, Gabriel... or Invisible Voice did guide. No one can utter a great mystery in such a fashion; like this, no one knows how to pierce a pearl inside. Hafiz of Shiraz (1320-1392) is known throughout the world as the great master of the ghazal. Here are all his other less-known poems. The real content is here in understandable, beautiful poetry: the correct rhyme-structure has been achieved in readable English. Long Introduction on his wonderful life story; his spirituality, influence on the East and the West, the form and function of this poetry. Included are many notes, glossary, selected bibliography. Large Format 7" x 10" 400 pages.Goethe: "In his poetry Hafiz inscribed undeniable truth indelibly! He has no peer!"Gertrude Bell: "It is as if his mental Eye, endowed with wonderful acuteness of vision, had penetrated into those provinces of thought which we of a later age were destined to inhabit."Meher Baba: "There is no equal to Hafiz in poetry. He was a Perfect Master... His Diwan is the best book in the world because it engenders feelings which ultimately lead to illumination."Inayat Khan: "Once a person has studied Hafiz he has reached the top of the mountain, from whence he beholds the sublimity of the immanence of God." COMMENTS ON PAUL SMITH'S TRANSLATION OF HAFIZ'S 'DIVAN'."It is not a joke... the English version of ALL the ghazals of Hafiz is a great feat and of paramount importance. I am astonished.." Dr. Mir Mohammad Taghavi (Dr. of Literature) Tehran."Superb translations. 99% Hafiz 1% Paul Smith." Ali Akbar Shapurzman, translator of English to Persian and knower of Hafiz's Divan off by heart. Paul Smith (b. 1945) is a poet, author and translator of many books of Sufi poets of Persian, Arabic, Urdu, Turkish and other languages including Hafiz, Sadi, Nizami, Rumi, 'Attar, Sana'i, Jahan Khatun, Obeyd Zakani, Mu'in ud-din Chishti, Lalla Ded, Amir Khusrau, Baba Farid, Nesimi, Kabir, Anvari, Ansari, Jami, Khayyam, Hallaj and many others, as well as his own poetry, fiction, plays, biographies, childrens books and a dozen screenplays. amazon.com/author/smithpa
