Persian Love Poetry

Abstract

This little book is a beguiling collection of Persian love poems drawn from both classical and modern poetry, but united by the theme of love in its myriad interpretations. Included are poems that explore the spiritual love between humans and God, the magical love between lovers or spouses, the affectionate love between family members and between friends, and even the patriotic love for one’s homeland. Each poem is accompanied with a precious Persian chef d’oeuvre from the British Museum and, in particular, numerous illustrations of Persian miniatures. The editors come to this subject with vast expertise: Vesta Sarkhosh Curtis is curator of Islamic and Iranian coins in the British Museum, and Sheila R. Canby is an assistant keeper in the British Museum specializing in Islamic Iran. Both have published on Persian art, art history, archaeology, and myths, among other topics. Their aim is not to produce a well-researched and exhaustive collection of Persian love poetry, but rather “to encourage readers to delve further into the wealth of Persian literature” (p. 5). With its modest aim of capturing the interest of novice western readers, theirs is a delightful book that charms its way to success. As explained in the “Introduction,” Iranians and other Persian (Farsi) speakers treasure poetry not only because of the beauty of the poetic language itself, but also because they derive joy and comfort from the poets’ perspective toward the world. The most famous Persian poets often have a mystical (Sufi) viewpoint toward life, whereby passion is a path to reach God and the truth. Interwoven into the people’s social consciousness, poetry holds a revered place in Persian culture. A single verse from the best-known Persian poems can capture an idea with elegant brevity. Iranians and other Persian (Farsi) speakers still recite poetry as a succinct and powerful way to express a point, thought, or emotion. To explain how deeply embedded poetry is in the Persian psyche, many oft-quoted proverbs draw much of their meaning and message from Persian poetry ...