If you've dipped your toes into the rich world of Persian literature—whether through the lyrical ghazals of Hafez, the spiritual ecstasy of Rumi, or the philosophical musings of Khayyam—you may be wondering where to go next. Fortunately, the treasure trove of Persian literary heritage has increasingly become accessible in English, thanks to skilled translators, dedicated scholars, and passionate readers. In this post, we’ll explore a curated selection of resources—books, websites, anthologies, and more—that can help you continue your journey into Persian literature, even if you don’t read Persian.

📚 Essential English Translations of Classical Persian Works

Many of the great classics of Persian poetry and prose are available in excellent English translations. Here are some foundational texts to start or deepen your exploration:

  • Rumi – The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks, remains one of the most popular and poetic renderings of Rumi’s verse. For a more scholarly translation, check out A.J. Arberry or Jawid Mojaddedi.

  • Hafez – The Divan of Hafez, translated by Reynold A. Nicholson or Peter Avery, offers readers an opportunity to engage with the enigmatic ghazals of this beloved mystic. Keep in mind that Hafez’s layers often reward multiple readings.

  • Ferdowsi – Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings, translated by Dick Davis, is a monumental and highly readable English rendition of Iran’s national epic.

  • Omar Khayyam – The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, famously translated by Edward FitzGerald, is a poetic classic in its own right, though modern readers may also explore more faithful versions by Peter Avery or Robert Graves.

  • Attar – The Conference of the Birds, translated by Afkham Darbandi and Dick Davis, introduces readers to the spiritual allegory that inspired generations of mystic poets, including Rumi.

  • Saadi – The Gulistan and The Bustan, in translations by W.M. Thackston or Edward Rehatsek, showcase Saadi’s blend of moral instruction and elegant storytelling.

🧠 Books on Persian Literary History and Culture

For context and deeper understanding, consider reading some introductory and scholarly works that explore the evolution, themes, and influence of Persian literature:

  • A History of Persian Literature (multi-volume series) – Published by I.B. Tauris and edited by prominent scholars, this is an invaluable resource for serious readers and researchers.

  • Persian Poets by Peter Chelkowski – A brief but insightful overview of the great classical poets and their cultural significance.

  • The Persianate World: The Frontiers of a Eurasian Lingua Franca edited by Nile Green – Explores how Persian literary culture extended beyond Iran into South Asia, Central Asia, and the Ottoman world.

  • The Mirror of My Heart: A Thousand Years of Persian Poetry by Women, edited and translated by Dick Davis – A groundbreaking anthology that highlights the often-overlooked voices of Persian women poets.

💻 Online Resources and Digital Libraries

The internet offers numerous gateways into Persian literature. These websites are great for discovering new works, reading translations, and diving into literary analysis:

  • Iran Chamber Society (www.iranchamber.com/literature) – Offers accessible biographies and sample works from major figures in Persian literary history.

  • The Persian Literature section at the World Digital Library – Digitized manuscripts and rare books for those who want to see historical texts in their original forms.

  • Ganjoor.net – While it’s primarily in Persian, this site features the complete works of major Persian poets and often links to English translations and transliterations.

  • Poetry Foundation and Academy of American Poets – Hosts selected poems and essays on Rumi, Hafez, and Khayyam, along with contemporary poets influenced by Persian traditions.

📖 Anthologies and Thematic Collections

Anthologies offer a wonderful way to experience the breadth of Persian literary forms and voices:

  • The Penguin Book of Persian Poetry – An accessible and well-organized collection covering over a thousand years of verse.

  • Classical Persian Literature by A.J. Arberry – A classic introduction that covers prose and poetry from early Islamic to late medieval periods.

  • Strange Times, My Dear: The Pen Anthology of Contemporary Iranian Literature – This anthology introduces fiction, poetry, and essays from modern Iranian writers, many of whom reflect on politics, identity, and exile.

🧳 Contemporary Authors to Explore (in English)

Persian literary brilliance didn’t end with the classical era. Here are a few modern Iranian writers whose works are available in English:

  • Sadegh Hedayat – The Blind Owl is a cornerstone of Persian modernism, blending psychological insight with surreal imagery.

  • Shahrnush Parsipur – Women Without Men, a novel weaving together the lives of five Iranian women, blends magical realism with social commentary.

  • Mahmoud Dowlatabadi – The Colonel and Missing Soluch delve into political history and rural life in post-revolution Iran.

  • Javad Mojabi, Fariba Vafi, Shokoofeh Azar, and others continue to publish works that explore modern Iranian life, diaspora, and the tension between tradition and modernity.

🎧 Podcasts, Lectures, and Documentaries

Want to listen and learn on the go? Here are some engaging resources:

  • “The Persian Literature Podcast” – A podcast that introduces key figures and texts from Persian literary history in accessible English.

  • Lectures by scholars like Franklin Lewis, Dick Davis, and Fatemeh Keshavarz on YouTube or university channels often cover individual poets or themes.

  • Documentaries like “Rumi: Poet of the Heart” or BBC’s In Search of Iran series—explore the cultural legacy of Persian poetry and prose.

🌍 Reading Persian Literature in Community

Reading is even more rewarding when shared. Join online book clubs, forums, or even university courses (many are now open to the public through platforms like Coursera and edX) that delve into Persian literature.

Follow hashtags like #PersianPoetry, #IranianLiterature, or #RumiQuotes on social media to discover other readers, translators, and scholars sharing their thoughts and recommendations.

Final Thoughts

Persian literature is a vast and vibrant field, where wisdom and beauty converge through language. Whether you're reading a 10th-century verse by Ferdowsi or a modern novel by an exiled writer, you're engaging with a living tradition—one that spans continents, centuries, and souls.

So continue the journey. Read, reflect, question, and return. The caravan of Persian letters has many more stories to tell.

Do you have a favorite Persian book or poet in translation? Let us know in the comments below or share your own recommendations!