Publisher's Synopsis
HAFIZ The Complete Book of Ghazals Translation & Introduction Paul Smith Hafiz of Shiraz in Persia (1320-1392) is the undisputed Master of the form of the ghazal, perhaps the oldest and most difficult and most beautiful and spiritual form of poetry that has ever existed. Although the poets of the ghazal may appear to many as open-minded, drunken, outcast lovers, it does not necessarily mean that they all drank the juice of the grape... for it is an inner spiritual state that they often were expressing. The ghazal is a conversation between the lover and the beloved and as in all intimate conversation... the talk flows both ways. The subject may not necessary be about love, but it is always from the point of view of one who loves truth, love and beauty. Here are all 575 of Hafiz's ghazals. The spiritual and historical and human content is here in understandable, beautiful poetry: the difficult correct rhyme-structure is achieved, without intruding, in readable English. In the Introduction his wonderful life story is told in greater detail than anywhere else; his spirituality is explored, his poetry and the ghazal, its form, function and history... his influence on the life, poetry and art of the East and the West. Included are notes to most poems, glossary, selected bibliography. Large Format Paperback 7" x 10" 649 pages. COMMENTS ON PAUL SMITH'S TRANSLATION OF HAFEZ'S GHAZALS."It is not a joke... the English version of ALL the ghazals of Hafez is a great feat and of paramount importance. I am astonished.." Dr. Mir Mohammad Taghavi (Dr. of Literature) Tehran."Superb translations. 99% Hafez 1% Paul Smith." Ali Akbar Shapurzman, translator of English to Persian and knower of Hafiz's Divan off by heart. "Smith has probably put together the greatest collection of literary facts and history concerning Hafez." Daniel Ladinsky (Penguin Books author). Paul Smith is a poet, author and translator of many books of Sufi poets of Persian, Arabic, Urdu, Turkish and other languages including Hafez, Sadi, Nizami, Rumi, 'Attar, Sana'i, Jahan Khatun, Obeyd Zakani, Mu'in ud-din Chishti, Amir Khusrau, Nesimi, Kabir, Anvari, Ansari, Jami, Khayyam, Hallaj, Rudaki, Yunus Emre Ghalib, Iqbal, Makhfi, Lalla Ded, Abu Nuwas, Ibn al-Farid, Rahman Baba, Nazir and many others, as well as his own poetry, fiction, plays, biographies, kids books and a dozen screenplays. New Humanity Books amazon.com/author/smithpa
