The Poems of Hafez

Hafez, translated by Reza Ordoubadian
Ibex Publishers (2006)
ISBN 1588140199
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (5/07)

I normally start all my reviews with a bit about the author. Usually a little background to what he or she did up to the point of writing this particular book. In this case, I’m afraid I can’t write a lot about the author because he has been dead for five centuries. But without going into a Persian history lesson (since I am least qualified on Persian history), I will say that Hafez has had his share of notoriety in Persia.

I elected instead, to write about the translator of the writer’s works, Mr. Reza Ordoubadian.  Born in Iran (Persia) he is very well-versed in Persian and English poetry and prose. He teaches English literature at an American university and understands the nuances of Hafez’s language.

Mr. Ordoubadian has, in his translation, conveyed the meaning, melody and spirit of Hafez in this volume. He has succeeded where others have failed. Most translators of Hafez have either correctly conveyed one or the other; but Reza has brought in all three.  Reza Ordoubadian has managed to bring out the essence of Hafez’s writing by capturing his meaning, melody and spirit and relating it in this very complex volume.

“The Poems of Hafez” are littered with Persian words and without some sort of explanation, could cause a lay person a bit of a problem. Mr. Ordoubadian gives the reader a bibliography and many notes in the back of the book to explain certain areas of this intriguing volume. He has written a very well-thought-out series of explanations for the symbology as well. Reza has made this translation as complete as anyone could have, right up to and including a chart for the “Correspondence of Ghazal Numbers.” This chart is for anyone that would like to compare this work with the original Persian version.

As my final note I would just like to add that although this poetry was complex and somewhat obtuse, I found it to be intriguing. I would not recommend it to the average reader; but to someone who enjoys the teachings of Hafez; it would be worth buying.  This book gave me an insight into a 14th -century character I had never heard of. It has sparked my interest and I would be inclined to know more. With its very nice binding, its fancy pages and the cover art, it will attract your attention. Will “The Poems of Hafez” capture your mind, I can’t say; but I gave it a B+.

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