Essential Sufism

July 1, 1997
A welcome addition to the literature on Islam, this small volume offers sayings, religious quotes, poems, aphorisms, and prayers from many Sufi masters. Reading through the many entries, one gets a feeling for the beauty and deep wisdom of the Sufis, the mystics of Islam. The book includes the necessary discussions of the major Sufi teachers, history, culture, and beliefs to aid the reader in understanding the vitalness of the sayings and meditations but is not meant as a fully encompassing investigation of Sufism. Instead, it is a wonderful appetizer that tantalizes the reader to seek other works that further celebrate and elucidate the relatively obscure world of Sufism. Recommended for all libraries.--Glenn Masuchika, Chaminade Univ. Lib., Honolulu

October 1, 1997
%% This is a multi-book review: SEE also the title "The Shambhala Guide to Sufism." SEE the title "In the Arms of the Beloved" for next imprint and review text. %% ((Reviewed October 1, 1997))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1997, American Library Association.)