Contents: 1. Ancient religion and literature of Persia. 2. Islam as modified by Persian thought - Persian heretical sects: Shiahs, Ismailians, Mu'tazilites (The brother of purity). 3. Epic poetry--Firdausi. 4. Lyrical poetry. 5. Court and Panegyric poetry. 6. Romantic poetry: Nizami. 7. Sufism. 8. Mystical poetry. 9. Didactic poetry: Sa'di. 10. Hafiz. 11. Jami. 12. Folk-songs and drama. 13. Prose romances. 14. History. 15. Biography and miscellaneous prose works. 16. Moral philosophy and theology. 17. Basism and Behaism.

"This book traces the history of Persian literature from the ancient times till the conclusion of the two very important movements of Babism and Behaism which have so profoundly affected modern Persian thought.

It begins with a chapter on ancient Persian religion and its literature followed by the epic poetry of Firdausi. This long journey of Persian literature introduces us to the lyrical poetry, court and panegyric poetry, mystical poetry and most importantly Sufism.
A chapter specially focusses on the Persian Folk songs and drama its history and romance." (jacket)