Description

Book Synopsis
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.

Trade Review
“This felicitous translation is a classic and reaches the widest possible audience.” — David Azzolina, Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania

Table of Contents
The Conference of the Birds - Farid ud-Din Attar Translated with an Introduction by Afkham Darbandi and Dick Davis

Introduction
The Conference of the Birds
Biographical Index

The Conference of the Birds

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Farid Attar, Afkham Darbandi, Dick Davis

    £10.44

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £10.99 – you save £0.55 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 30 Sep 2026.

    15 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Conference of the Birds by Farid Attar

      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Penguin Classics
      Published 29 March 1984
      ISBN-13 9780140444346
      978-0140444346
      ISBN-10 0140444343
      Also in:
      Poetry Politics, Philosophy & Society Philosophical traditions and schools of thought Mysticism

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      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.

      Trade Review
      “This felicitous translation is a classic and reaches the widest possible audience.” — David Azzolina, Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania

      Table of Contents
      The Conference of the Birds - Farid ud-Din Attar Translated with an Introduction by Afkham Darbandi and Dick Davis

      Introduction
      The Conference of the Birds
      Biographical Index

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account