Ismaili Literature : A Bibliography of Sources and Studies

Ismaili Studies represents one of the most recent fields of Islamic Studies. Much new research has taken place in this field as a result of the recovery of a large number of Ismaili texts. This book contains a complete listing of the sources and secondary studies, including theses, written by Ismailis or about them in all major Islamic and European languages. It also contains chapters surveying Ismaili history and developments in modern Ismaili Studies. "In this work, Farhad Daftary takes stock of the progress in Ismaili studies from pre-modern and early modern times until today. After a general survey of Ismaili history and the relevant primary sources for its different periods, and an overview of Ismaili studies, the author presents an annotated listing of all published primary sources produced in medieval and early modern times, by Ismaili authors as well as other Muslims, on Ismaili history and doctrines." "The book also contains a comprehensive bibliography of secondary studies, covering all aspects of Ismaili history and thought, Fatimid political history and institutions, as well as art and archaeology. In addition, certain peripheral yet relevant areas of study have been covered to various extents, such as the famous Ikhwan al-Safa' and the Druzes who originally split away from the Ismailis in the 5th/11th century. A selection of Ismaili-related theses and lists of Ismaili imams and da'is have also been included. In terms of different languages, publications in Arabic, Persian, Tajik (Cyrillic) and Urdu are represented in a comprehensive manner; and similarly, all studies in the main European languages have been covered."--BOOK JACKET Ismaili Studies represents one of the most recent fields of Islamic Studies. Much new research has taken place in this field as a result of the recovery of a large number of Ismaili texts. Ismaili Literature contains a complete listing of the sources and secondary studies, including theses, written by Ismailis or about them in all major Islamic and European languages. It also contains chapters surveying Ismaili history and developments in modern Ismaili Studies. The Ismailis, a major Shi'i Muslim community who have subdivided into a number of branches and minor groups, have had a long and complex history dating back to the middle of the 2nd/8th century.