Customer Reviews

The Divan-I-Hafiz (Classics of Persian Literature, 3) (Classics of Persian Literature, 3) (Classics of Persian Literature, 3)

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For anyone interested in understanding the depth of the poetry of Hafiz, Clarke's translations are a must. His comprehensive knowledge of Sufism and the hidden meanings in Hafiz' poetry is superior to any renderings that have come before these translations or after. Well worth reading whether for pleasure or research.

This book is an excellent tool for learning Persian. What could be added, if anything, is the book in farsi of which the author speaks. But since one is supposed to study, is kind of fun to search through the web or with the help of Iranian friends, in libraries or wherever, the texts in persian.

One or two originals (texts in persian) are certainly enough for at least six month's study. So with a book like this all that one needs is to work with patience, pleasure, and with the hope that the spirit of Hafiz will come to whisper into the student's heart.

This voluminous volume on the poetry of Hafeez is rich in notes and suits best those who wish to study solely from a scholarly view point.

This translation of thhe Divan is old and authoritative. It makes a useful companion to Paul Smith's more poetic and easier-to-read translation. I recommend the latter to anyone interested in Hafiz.