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The Conference of the Birds

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The Conference of the Birds

By: Attar, Sholeh Wolpé - Translated by
Narrated by: Fajer Al-Kaisi
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About this listen

"These lofty words are an antidote / for anyone sickened by extremism's poison."

Considered by Rumi to be "the master" of Sufi mystic poetry, Attar is best known for this epic poem, a magnificent allegorical tale about the soul's search for meaning. He recounts the perilous journey of the world's birds to the faraway peaks of Mount Qaf in search of the mysterious Simorgh, their king. Attar's beguiling anecdotes and humor intermingle the sublime with the mundane, the spiritual with the worldly, while his poem models the soul's escape from the mind's rational embrace.

Sholeh Wolpe recreates for modern audiences the beauty and timeless wisdom of the original Persian, in contemporary English verse and poetic prose.

©2017 Sholeh Wolpé (P)2021 Tantor Islam Middle Eastern Poetry Sufism Themes & Styles World Literature Witty

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All stars
Most relevant  
I got this book after an encounter with a hoepoo bird and I found it amazing

an extraordinary work

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This is a beautiful modern translation that I highly recommend. Unfortunately Attar's own prologue is mässing. With it I would have given the book 5 stars. Now it's 4,5.

Excellent translation

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I didn't like the content much.

Amazing to have this translation and reading - much appreciated.

As a Buddhist I found the repetitive hyperbole of the poetry unengaging.

I assume that a better appreciation of Sufi love and it's metaphorical meanings is necessary to get the most out of this book. I don't have that.

Also, while the poetry is readily understandable and accessible (a major achievement), the translation lacks virtually any rhyme, and I presume that at least half of the magic of the original language is lost.

Nevertheless an interesting, relaxing, escapist listen.

Excellent performance

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I found this book to be full of meaning and wisdom at multiple levels, and succeeded in communicating at day level beyond thewords themselves. I found it a really enjoyable listen too, but also a book that feels special, and parts of it kept going through my mind.
It’s one I expect I will listen to again and again, and will get more from it every time.

A very special book that I will return to

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