The Divan of Hafiz: Edition of Complete Poetry

Immerse yourself in the complete poetic legacy of Shamsuddin Mohammad Hafiz Shirazi (1315-1390), the beloved Persian mystic whose verses have captivated hearts and minds for over six centuries. This comprehensive bilingual edition presents all 500 ghazals and 42 Rubaiyees in both the original Persian and Henry Wilberforce Clarke's meticulous word-by-word English translation.

A Complete Scholarly Edition

The Divan of Hafiz represents the complete collected works of one of Persian literature's most revered voices. Unlike interpretive translations that prioritize poetic flow over literal accuracy, Clarke's word-by-word approach preserves the structure, nuance, and linguistic richness of the original Persian text. This makes it an invaluable resource for:

• Persian language learners seeking to deepen their understanding through parallel text study
• Comparative literature students analyzing translation methodology and poetic form
• Scholars of Islamic mysticism requiring precise textual references
• Poetry enthusiasts who appreciate both literal and interpretive approaches to translation
• Sufi practitioners seeking authentic source material for contemplative study

Understanding Hafiz's Ghazals

The ghazal—a lyric poem typically consisting of rhyming couplets and a refrain—is the primary form through which Hafiz expressed his mystical vision. His poetry weaves together themes of divine love, spiritual intoxication, the hypocrisy of religious formalism, and the ecstatic union of the soul with the Beloved. Through metaphors of wine, taverns, nightingales, and roses, Hafiz created a symbolic language that speaks simultaneously to earthly and divine love, to sensual pleasure and spiritual transcendence.

His work defies simple categorization. Is he celebrating wine or divine ecstasy? Romantic love or mystical union? The beauty of Hafiz lies precisely in this ambiguity—his verses operate on multiple levels simultaneously, inviting readers into a world where the sacred and profane, the literal and metaphorical, dance together in perpetual mystery.

The Clarke Translation: Literal Precision

Henry Wilberforce Clarke's translation, first published in the late 19th century, remains one of the most literal English renderings of Hafiz's Divan. While this approach sacrifices some of the lyrical flow found in more interpretive translations (such as those by Daniel Ladinsky or Coleman Barks), it offers unparalleled access to the actual structure and word choice of the Persian original.

For serious students, this literal approach is invaluable. You can see how Hafiz constructs his metaphors, trace his use of specific Persian terms with mystical significance, and understand the formal constraints within which he worked. Clarke's translation serves as a bridge between the Persian text and English comprehension, making it an essential companion for anyone studying Persian literature or Sufi poetry in depth.

Bilingual Format: Persian & English Side by Side

This edition presents the Persian text alongside Clarke's English translation, allowing readers to:

• Compare the original Persian with the English rendering
• Study Persian vocabulary and poetic structure in context
• Appreciate the musicality and rhythm of the original language
• Verify translation choices and explore alternative interpretations
• Deepen their understanding of Persian literary conventions

Who This Edition Is For

Persian Language Students: The parallel text format makes this an ideal study companion, allowing you to build vocabulary and comprehension while engaging with one of Persian literature's masterworks.

Scholars & Researchers: Clarke's literal translation provides the textual precision necessary for academic work, citation, and comparative analysis.

Sufi Practitioners: Access to the complete Divan allows for deep contemplative study of Hafiz's mystical teachings in their full context.

Poetry Lovers: Experience Hafiz in a different register than popular interpretive translations—see the architecture of his verse, the precision of his word choice, the formal elegance of the ghazal.

Comparative Readers: If you already own interpretive translations by Ladinsky or others, this edition offers a complementary perspective, showing you what the original text actually says versus how it might be creatively rendered.

Hafiz's Enduring Legacy

Hafiz's tomb in Shiraz remains a pilgrimage site, and his poetry continues to be memorized, recited, and consulted for guidance across the Persian-speaking world and beyond. His influence extends across cultures and centuries—Goethe praised him as a peer, Emerson translated his verses, and contemporary spiritual seekers continue to find in his words a map to the territory of divine love.

The practice of fal-e Hafez—opening the Divan at random to receive guidance—testifies to the living relationship Persian culture maintains with this poet. His verses are not merely historical artifacts but active presences in the spiritual lives of millions.

A Complement to Your Contemplative Library

This complete edition of the Divan of Hafiz serves as both a scholarly reference and a spiritual companion. Whether you're studying Persian, researching Sufi mysticism, comparing translation approaches, or simply seeking to encounter Hafiz's voice in its most authentic English rendering, this bilingual edition offers depth, precision, and completeness.

Let Hafiz's complete poetic legacy unfold before you—500 ghazals of mystical wisdom, ecstatic love, and the eternal dance between the human and the divine.