Esoteric Traditions in Islamic Thought by Leonard Lewisohn

Esoteric Traditions in Islamic Thought by Leonard Lewisohn

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.

‘Lewisohn gives us so much with this splendid collection of beautiful, perspicacious translationsThere 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 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

Leonard Lewisohn was Senior Lecturer in Persian and Sufi Literature at the University of Exeter. Among other works, he edited the three-volume The Heritage of Sufism, which is also published by Oneworld.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780861548644
Title	Esoteric Traditions in Islamic Thought
Author	Leonard Lewisohn
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Oneworld Publications
Year published	2024-08-29
Number of pages	448
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.