Hafez in Persian & English Pocket Edition : Book Review

"Hafez in Persian-English Pocket Edition" is a captivating compilation of poems by the celebrated Persian poet, Hafez. This portable book presents a carefully curated selection of Hafez's exquisite poetry, skillfully translated into both Persian and English. It invites readers into Hafez's mystical realm, enabling them to appreciate the profound wisdom and enchanting beauty of his words.

The book seamlessly weaves together the original Persian verses and their English translations. This enables readers unfamiliar with the Persian language to fully embrace the richness of Hafez's poetry. The translations preserve the poetic essence of the originals, capturing the intricate metaphors and evocative emotions that define Hafez's unique style. Its compact size makes it easy for readers to carry this treasury of poetic wisdom wherever they go.

Hafez's poetry encompasses a diverse range of themes, including love, spirituality, and the enigmas of life. Known for his captivating imagery and profound insights, Hafez's verses have resonated with readers for centuries. Within this collection, readers can immerse themselves in Hafez's poetic world, embarking on a spiritual journey that explores the depths of human emotions and the mysteries of existence.

Furthermore, the book provides readers with an introduction to Hafez, offering a brief glimpse into his life and the historical context in which he wrote. This provides valuable depth and context to the poems, enhancing readers' understanding and appreciation of Hafez's work. Additionally, a handy glossary is included, assisting readers in unraveling the symbolic and cultural references embedded in Hafez's poetry.

In essence, "Hafez in Persian-English Pocket Edition" is an extraordinary anthology that presents Hafez's poetry in a captivating blend of Persian and English. It is an indispensable read for poetry enthusiasts and those seeking to explore the mystical and spiritual dimensions of Persian literature. This book serves as a gateway into Hafez's profound world, allowing readers to connect with his timeless wisdom and experience the sheer beauty of his words.

What are readers saying?

Hafez in Persian-English Pocket Edition is a collection of poetry by Hafez, a renowned Persian poet from the 14th century. While opinions on this book vary, it has received both praise and criticism from readers.

Some readers have commended the book for its beautiful translation and its ability to capture the essence of Hafez's poetry. They appreciate the dual-language format, which allows them to appreciate both the original Persian verses and the English translations. These readers find the translations to be accurate and well-crafted, successfully maintaining the lyrical quality of Hafez's work. Alongside this, they also express admiration for Hafez's profound wisdom and the timeless themes of love, spirituality, and universal truths found throughout his poetry.

However, there are some readers who feel that the translations do not fully capture the depth and complexity of Hafez's poetry. They believe that the English translations seem overly simplified when compared to the intricacies of the original Persian verses. These readers desire more nuanced translations that can better convey the intricate language and metaphorical imagery present in Hafez's work.

The editing of the book is another aspect that has received mixed feedback from readers. While some find the editing to be well-executed, others have noticed numerous typographical errors and inconsistencies in the formatting, which they feel detract from the overall reading experience.

When it comes to the overall appeal and accessibility of the book, many readers appreciate its pocket-sized edition, finding it convenient and portable. However, there are some readers who feel that the book lacks accompanying annotations or explanations, making it difficult for those unfamiliar with Persian culture or Hafez's historical context to fully grasp the meaning behind certain poems.

Hafez Persian Poetry Pocket Edition