The Illuminated Hafiz

The Illuminated Hafiz Synopsis

"Hold tight to the stem of the rose you've been given. Learn what such a friend is worth. Write that in the margin and memorize it." -Hafiz (tr. Barks) Rarely do we encounter poetry that ignites and intoxicates the soul. Few poets have ever done so as brilliantly as Hafiz of Shiraz. The Illuminated Hafiz is a celebration of how even now, seven centuries after his death, this Persian mystic remains one of the most beloved poets in the world. The Illuminated Hafiz presents selections from the master's alluring works as they've never been seen before-merging translations from Coleman Barks, Robert Bly, Omid Safi, and other mystics and scholars with evocative art by Michael and Saliha Green. Following in the tradition of The Illuminated Rumi, this inspiring collection also contains short commentaries on Hafiz and the significance of his work, as well as a glossary explaining his imagery and subtle use of language. A contemporary take on classical illuminated manuscripts, The Illuminated Hafiz reveals why Hafiz's verse endures as timeless spiritual guidance in the Middle East, and why his sublime words of light continue to grow in popularity in the West and throughout the world.