Continuing the Journey: Resources for Exploring Persian Literature Further (in English)

If you've dipped your toes into the rich world of Persian literature—whether through the lyrical ghazals of Hafez, the spiritual ecstasy of Rumi, or the philosophical musings of Khayyam—you may be wondering where to go next. Fortunately, the treasure trove of Persian literary heritage has increasingly become accessible in English, thanks to skilled translators, dedicated scholars, and passionate readers. In this post, we’ll explore a curated selection of resources—books, websites, anthologies, and more—that can help you continue your journey into Persian literature, even if you don’t read Persian.

📚 Essential English Translations of Classical Persian Works

Many of the great classics of Persian poetry and prose are available in excellent English translations. Here are some foundational texts to start or deepen your exploration:

• Rumi – The Essential Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks, remains one of the most popular and poetic renderings of Rumi’s verse. For a more scholarly translation, check out A.J. Arberry or Jawid Mojaddedi.

• Hafez – The Divan of Hafez, translated by Reynold A. Nicholson or Peter Avery, offers readers an opportunity to engage with the enigmatic ghazals of this beloved mystic. Keep in mind that Hafez’s layers often reward multiple readings.

• Ferdowsi – Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings, translated by Dick Davis, is a monumental and highly readable English rendition of Iran’s national epic.

• Omar Khayyam – The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, famously translated by Edward FitzGerald, is a poetic classic in its own right, though modern …