Collected Lyrics of Hafiz of Shiraz

This collection presents the complete lyrics of the 14th-century Persian poet Hafiz of Shiraz, translated into English by scholar Peter Avery. The translations maintain fidelity to the original Persian texts while rendering them accessible to English readers. The book contains over 500 ghazals (lyric poems), arranged chronologically where possible, with notes providing historical and cultural context. Each poem appears in a consistent format with the Persian transliteration alongside the English translation. Avery's academic introduction covers Hafiz's life, the political climate of medieval Shiraz, and the development of Persian poetic forms. The supplementary materials include maps, a glossary of terms, and extensive footnotes on Persian literary conventions. The collection captures Hafiz's exploration of divine and earthly love, with recurring symbols of wine, gardens, and the beloved that operate on both literal and mystical levels. These translations reveal the intersection of Sufi spirituality with secular Persian court poetry.

Limited reviews are available for this translated collection of Hafiz's works. The few reviews focus on Peter Avery's translation approach and scholarly notes. Readers appreciated: - In-depth annotations explaining cultural/historical context - Literal translations that maintain accuracy over poetic flow - Inclusion of original Persian text alongside translations - Coverage of Hafiz's complete works rather than selections Main criticisms: - Translations read as technical/academic rather than poetic - Some readers found the language stiff and lacking musicality - Notes can interrupt reading flow Available Ratings: Goodreads: 4.27/5 (22 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (6 ratings) Reader quote: "Avery prioritizes precision over poetry. While this serves scholars, casual readers may prefer more fluid translations like those by Daniel Ladinsky." - Goodreads review Note: This book has limited online reviews compared to other Hafiz translations, possibly due to its academic focus and higher price point.

The Essential Rumi by Jalal al-Din Rumi A collection of spiritual poetry translated from Persian that explores divine love, mysticism, and Sufi teachings.

The Gift: Poems by Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky These translations present Hafiz's work through a contemporary lens while maintaining the core themes of spiritual devotion and divine intoxication.

The Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar A Persian poem that follows the journey of birds seeking enlightenment through allegory and mystical teachings.

Wine of the Mystic: The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam by Paramahansa Yogananda This spiritual interpretation of Khayyam's quatrains connects Persian poetry with universal mystical traditions.

The Subject Tonight Is Love by Kabir These poems from the Indian mystic tradition share themes with Hafiz's work in their exploration of divine love and spiritual awakening.

🌟 Hafiz, the 14th-century Persian poet this collection translates, was so revered that people would randomly open his works for guidance, similar to bibliomancy with sacred texts. 🌟 Peter Avery spent over 30 years working on these translations, consulting multiple Persian scholars to ensure accuracy while maintaining poetic beauty. 🌟 The collection contains 500 ghazals (love poems), representing the first time many of these works were translated into English directly from Persian rather than through intermediate languages. 🌟 Goethe was so influenced by Hafiz's poetry that he wrote "West-östlicher Divan" in response, calling Hafiz his twin spirit across centuries. 🌟 The traditional legend states that when religious authorities initially refused to give Hafiz a proper Islamic burial due to his controversial verses, his poems were consulted for divine guidance - they opened to a verse that convinced the authorities to proceed with the burial.