Rumi is perhaps the only example in world literature of a devoted prose writer who suddenly burst forth into poetry during middle age to become a truly great mystical poet for all time. This book, a long-overdue reckoning of his life and work, begins with a description and examination of the living conditions in 13th-century Persia. Building on this context, Afzal Iqbal proceeds to fully analyze the formative period of Rumi's life leading up to 1261--when he began the monumental work of writing the Mathnawi. Toward the end of the book, Iqbal more generally investigates Rumi's thought and includes translations of those portions of the Mathnawi that have been hitherto unavailable in English. Combining an unparalleled familiarity with the source material, a total and critical understanding of the subject, and a powerful and readable prose style, this is an extraordinary study of a truly remarkable poet and mystic.

The Life and Work of Jalaluddin Rumi

Biographies & Memoirs

Iqbal, Afzal

Arts & Literature

Oxford University Press

In the current wave of renewed interest in Rumi, this book offers the first comprehensive biography of this great historical figure written for the general pubic. 
Beginning with an analysis of conditions in the 13th century of Christianity and the 7th of Islam, the author pieces together a sensitive and scholarly chronicle of Rumi's life, taking great care to "sift the grain from the chaff." The book covers Rumi's formative years; the appearance and disappearance of the mysterious Shams-i-Tabriz, who transformed Rumi's life; and the sudden "bursting forth" from a middle-aged prose writer of some of the most exquisite and powerful poetry the world has ever known.

Arberry, A.J.

Octagon Pr

The Life and Work of Jalal-ud-Din Rumi

Islamic Book Trust

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Iqbal, Afzal. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Iqbal, Afzal