The Mystics of Islam, by Reynold A. Nicholson, Paperback

The Mystics of Islam is a classic introduction to Sufism by Reynold A. Nicholson. First published in 1914, the book traces the origins, historical development, and central doctrines of Islamic mysticism from the 8th century onward.

Book overview

• Author: Reynold A. Nicholson
• Format: Paperback
• Subject: Islamic mysticism and Sufism
• Key themes: Asceticism, repentance, divine love, gnosis, ecstasy, and the unitive state with God
• Approach: Includes the author's poetic translations of selected Arabic and Persian mystical texts and poetry

About the author

Reynold A. Nicholson (1868–1945) was a professor of Arabic and Persian at Cambridge University and a leading authority on Islamic literature. He is also known for his eight-volume translation of Rumi's Mathnawi and for The Literary History of the Arabs.