Persian literature is one of the richest and most storied traditions in the world. It has produced a treasure trove of poetry, prose, and philosophical works that have not only shaped Iranian culture but have also had a profound influence on global literature. When Persian works are translated into English, they open up a world of beauty, wisdom, and profound thought for a wider audience. Here, we explore the top 10 all-time best writers in Persian literature whose works are accessible to English speakers.

1. Rumi

Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī, known to the English-speaking world simply as Rumi, is perhaps the most famous Persian poet. Born in the 13th century, Rumi’s poetry is imbued with a deep sense of mysticism and spirituality. His most famous work, the Masnavi, is a six-book epic poem that delves into themes of divine love, the soul’s journey, and the eternal quest for meaning. In English, his works have been translated by numerous scholars, with Coleman Barks’ translations being particularly popular. Rumi’s poetry transcends cultural boundaries, making his reflections on love and existence universally relatable.

2. Hafez

Hafez of Shiraz, whose full name is Khwāja Shams-ud-Dīn Muḥammad Ḥāfeẓ-e Shīrāzī, is another iconic figure in Persian literature. His Divan (collected works) is a staple in Persian homes and is often used for divination purposes. Hafez’s ghazals (lyric poems) are celebrated for their intricate wordplay, rich imagery, and profound philosophical musings on themes such as love, wine, and the divine. English translations of Hafez, like those by Gertrude Bell and Daniel Ladinsky, capture the essence of his lyrical beauty and timeless wisdom.

3. Ferdowsi

Abu ʾl-Qasim Ferdowsi Tusi, commonly referred to as Ferdowsi, is the author of the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), which is one of the world’s longest epic poems. Written over 30 years in the 10th and 11th centuries, the Shahnameh chronicles the mythical and historical past of Persia from the creation of the world until the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century. It is a work of great cultural and national significance for Iranians. English translations, such as those by Dick Davis, provide a window into the grandeur of Ferdowsi’s storytelling and the cultural heritage of ancient Persia.

4. Saadi

Saadi Shirazi, born in the 13th century, is known for his works Gulistan (The Rose Garden) and Bustan (The Orchard). The Gulistan is a collection of poems and prose that offers moral and ethical advice through stories and anecdotes, while the Bustan is a book of poetry that explores topics such as justice, love, humility, and contentment. Saadi’s writings are characterized by their humanism, wisdom, and wit. English translations by scholars like Edward Rehatsek and Richard Jeffrey Newman make Saadi’s sage advice and storytelling accessible to a global audience.

5. Omar Khayyam

Omar Khayyam was a polymath, excelling in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy, but he is best known in the West for his Rubaiyat (quatrains). These brief, poignant poems explore themes of existentialism, the fleeting nature of life, and the pursuit of joy. The most famous English translation of Khayyam’s work is by Edward FitzGerald, whose 1859 version of the Rubaiyat remains a classic. FitzGerald’s translation, although not always faithful to the original Persian, captures the spirit of Khayyam’s meditations on life and mortality.

6. Nizami Ganjavi

Nizami Ganjavi, a 12th-century poet, is renowned for his Khamseh (Quintet), a collection of five long narrative poems. These include “Layla and Majnun,” a tragic love story that has been likened to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Haft Paykar” (The Seven Beauties), a romantic epic that combines elements of mythology, history, and allegory. Nizami’s work is known for its rich narrative structure and exquisite use of language. English translations, such as those by Rudolf Gelpke and Colin Turner, offer readers a glimpse into Nizami’s mastery of storytelling and his profound influence on Persian and world literature.

7. Forough Farrokhzad

Forough Farrokhzad was a pioneering 20th-century Iranian poet and filmmaker whose work broke new ground in Persian literature. Her poetry addresses themes of love, female identity, and social issues with a raw emotional intensity and a modernist sensibility. Collections like “Another Birth” and “Let Us Believe in the Beginning of the Cold Season” showcase her unique voice and bold exploration of taboo subjects. English translations by poets like Sholeh Wolpe and David Martin provide access to Farrokhzad’s powerful and evocative writing, making her a significant figure in contemporary Persian literature.

8. Sadegh Hedayat

Sadegh Hedayat is considered one of the most influential modern Iranian writers. His novella The Blind Owl is a masterpiece of modernist literature, known for its surreal and haunting narrative. The story delves into themes of existential despair, madness, and the human condition, reflecting the influence of Western literary movements such as existentialism and surrealism. English translations by D.P. Costello and Iraj Bashiri capture the eerie and dreamlike quality of Hedayat’s writing, offering readers a glimpse into the darker aspects of the human psyche.

9. Simin Daneshvar

Simin Daneshvar was a trailblazing female novelist and translator, best known for her novel Savushun (A Persian Requiem). Set during World War II, the novel provides a vivid portrayal of Iranian society and culture through the lens of a family in Shiraz. Daneshvar’s writing is characterized by its rich character development and exploration of themes such as nationalism, tradition, and modernity. M.R. Ghanoonparvar’s translation of Savushun brings Daneshvar’s compelling narrative and insightful social commentary to an English-speaking audience.

10. Mahmoud Dowlatabadi

Mahmoud Dowlatabadi is a contemporary Iranian novelist whose works often focus on the lives of rural and working-class Iranians. His epic novel Kelidar spans ten volumes and is considered a monumental achievement in Persian literature. It provides a detailed and empathetic portrayal of the struggles and resilience of the Iranian people. Dowlatabadi’s writing is marked by its realism, depth of character, and social consciousness. English translations of his works, such as “The Colonel” translated by Tom Patterdale, highlight Dowlatabadi’s significant contribution to modern Persian literature and his ability to capture the complexities of Iranian society.

Conclusion

The richness of Persian literature is evident in the works of these ten writers, whose contributions span centuries and encompass a wide range of genres and themes. From the mystical poetry of Rumi and Hafez to the modernist fiction of Sadegh Hedayat and Forough Farrokhzad, Persian literature offers a diverse and profound body of work that continues to inspire and resonate with readers around the world. English translations of these authors make their timeless wisdom, beauty, and insight accessible to a global audience, ensuring that the legacy of Persian literature endures for generations to come.