Make A Shield From Wisdom (Islamic Texts and Contexts) [Hardcover]

Schimmel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0710304552 | ISBN-13: 978-0710304551 | Edition: 1

Born in 1004, Nasir-i Khusraw was the major poet and philosopher of the early Ismailiyya. The outward political and religious events of the first half of the 11th century were the canvas on which Nasir-i Khusraw's poetry and prose developed. It is a poetry that teaches the importance of wisdom, of reason, of the right word and the right faith. Nasir-i edifice of religio-philosophical thought with its constant emphasis on the true faith and, as importantly, on reason and its role. Unique and important for our understanding of the times in which it was written Nasir-i Khusraw's ideas and expressions appeal strongly to readers of today. . The interest in Nasir-i Khusraw's poetry lies first in its contents and, from the purely formal viewpoint, in its consummate artistry. Through the poet's descriptions of gardens and stars, and his technical skill in the use of language and metre, the book offers an insight in to the poet's learning in all areas of Islamic and scientific topics. Above all, the poet successfully combines poetical skill with a deep religious conviction. The work of the Persian author in both its philosophical and poetical aspects has been known in the West for more than a century, but until now a full evaluation of Nasir-i Khusraw's poetry - his Divan - has not been attempted. This volume is intended as a step toward a better understanding of the poet's thought. In it, the noted Islamic scholar Annemarie Schimmel presents her translations of Nasir-i Khusraw's qasidas along with a detailed study of the poet and his work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

". . . a truly scholarly achievement which should provide the basis for more detailed studies on Nasir-I Khusraw's poetry."--Sunil Sharma, MELA Notes

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Persian

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (January 6, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0710304552
• ISBN-13: 978-0710304551
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,543,652 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Words Robed in Wisdom, April 16, 2003

By 

Najam Abbas, Ph.D. (U.K.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Make A Shield From Wisdom (Islamic Texts and Contexts) (Hardcover)

This book opens the doors on the readers to know about a tenth century Persian poet, philosopher, mystic, thinker and traveller Nasir-i Khusraw (1004-1088). The book shows glimpses of some qualities this individual had in his extra-ordinary life and takes them through the evolution of the philosophical and poetic aspects of his thoughts where words should be robed in wisdom to be weighed for the many layers and depths of meaning it can offer.

The verses selected for this publication underline that Khusraw’s poetry is about wisdom and reason and its supremacy over the soul. What makes his poetry interesting is the connections established, parallels made and analogies drawn about the world, and the ever-changing nature of human life. Schimmel offers selected verses to depict Khusraw’s treatment of different phases of the seasons of the year, the long winter’s agonies and the joys brought by the heralding of spring, of the different stages in one’s life- youth and old age.

Schimmel’s lifelong study of oriental languages and thought allows her to divulge on issues such as Khusraw’s status as a poet and an analysis of the canvass where ideas were developed, his poetic content and contribution to discuss what qualities made Khusraw’s qaseedah [eulogy] different? Whether to any extent, the great Persian poet had any influence of his Arab contemporary Al-Maari. She observes that distinct for his expressions Khusraw, sets his own trends for the Persian poetic tradition.