The Conference of the Birds

Name: The Conference of the Birds
Brand: Penguin Random House NZ
SKU: 9780140444346
Price: 29.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Farid Attar

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( 7,718 ratings, 917 reviews)

Summary

In The Conference of the Birds by Farid Attar, a diverse assembly of birds embarks on a spiritual journey to find their king, the mythical Simorgh. Guided by the wise hoopoe, the birds confront inner challenges and desires as they traverse seven valleys, each symbolising a stage of enlightenment. This allegorical tale explores themes of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, reflecting deep philosophical and psychological insights.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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The Conference of the Birds

$29⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have an interest in spiritual allegories, mystical journeys, and Persian poetry. Through a symbolic tale of a group of birds embarking on a quest for enlightenment, it offers rich philosophical insights and psychological depth that explore themes of self-discovery and the nature of divine love.

The Conference of the Birds

"Mantiq al-tayr" (the conference of the birds) is an elaborate allegory with many digressions. It describes how all the birds (human souls) set out in search of the Simurgh (the godhead). All but 30 die and the survivors realize that they themselves are the Simurgh.

Description

Composed in the twelfth century in north-eastern Iran, Attar's great mystical poem is among the most significant of all works of Persian literature. A marvellous, allegorical rendering of the Islamic doctrine of Sufism—an esoteric system concerned with the search for truth through God—it describes the consequences of the conference of the birds of the world when they meet to begin the search for their ideal king, the Simorgh bird.

On hearing that to find him they must undertake an arduous journey, the birds soon express their reservations to their leader, the hoopoe. With eloquence and insight, however, the hoopoe calms their fears, using a series of riddling parables to provide guidance in the search for spiritual truth.

By turns witty and profound, The Conference of the Birds transforms deep belief into magnificent poetry.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Conference of the Birds by Farid Attar has been praised for its engaging translation that captivates a broad audience. Critics highlight how the nuanced translation beautifully conveys the philosophical and psychological depth of the original work, making it accessible and resonant with readers today.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140444346

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 March 1984

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

Translated by Dick Davis
Introduction by Dick Davis
Translated by Afkham Darbandi
Introduction by Afkham Darbandi

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 17.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 225g

Pages: 304

Collections

Farid Attar Non-Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Philosophy & Psychology Philosophy & Stoicism

About the Author

Dick Davis (Translator) Dick Davis is an English-American poet and translator. Before the Islamic Revolution, Davis lived in Iran and taught English at the University of Tehran. Davis is now a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and is considered to be one of the world's foremost translators of Persian literature.