Esoteric Traditions in Islamic Thought: An Anthology of Texts on Esoteric Knowledge and Gnosis in Islam

by Leonard Lewisohn

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780861548651
Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Publication date:	08/29/2024
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	448

About the Author

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.
Leonard Lewisohn is Research Associate in Esoteric Traditions in Islam in the Department of Academic Research of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London. He is the author, editor, and translator of many leading books and articles in the area of Sufism and lectures widely on the subject.

Editorial Reviews

‘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

‘Lewisohn gives us so much with this splendid collection of beautiful, perspicacious translations. There is no one of his generation who has contributed more to the study of Sufism and mysticism in Islam.’

Todd Lawson

‘A joy to read, a nourishment for the heart and mind, and for the specialist and non-specialist alike. The study of esotericism and what is called erfan in Iran desperately needed just this sourcebook ... There was no better person than Lenny Lewisohn to put it together.’

Sajjad H. Rizvi