Gulistan Saadi (The Rose Garden Saadi)

The Gulistan (Rose Garden) is a cherished masterpiece of Medieval Persian literature. Its author, Sadi Shirazi, is a wry Sufi sage and poet. It is essentially a work of wisdom literature, made up of hundreds of parables, epigrams, and poems that glitter with earthy wit and ethical lessons. For the inquisitive western reader it gives insight into the mind, ways and moral life of the 13th century Islamic world; but for the 21st century reader who judges the past according to 21st century western democratic values – be warned: the Gulistan, in spite of its benign intentions, is at times politically incorrect in the extreme. Presented is a worldview firmly rooted in a universal acceptance of slavery and of male and Muslim supremacy. It is a product of the ancient Islamic world at the zenith of its cultural and political power and pride, a time in which long-standing assumptions about racial and gender hierarchies seemed as matter-of-fact as the mountains. But, if a modern reader can get past a few high-voltage culture shocks from antiquity without short circuiting, one will find Sadi's work is one of enlightenment, intended to soften the hand of despots, straighten the way of saints, scourge the hypocrite and glutton, and encourage all its readership to attain health and happiness through simplicity, humility, and gentle justice. The Gulistan is indeed a rose garden, with a few thorns, yes, but fragrant with humanity and beautiful to anyone with an appreciation for folktales, wit, and the philosopher's search for moral grace. The copy I have is a Kessinger Legacy Reprint – the Rehatsek translation, I think. It's a barebones paperback without any commentary, analysis, or background information, perfectly adequate for reading, but not a beautiful book for the parlor shelf. The English of the translation has a bit of 19th century flourish about it, a bit stiff maybe, but elegant and pleasingly fit for the antiquity of the text. I can't vouch for its accuracy as I know no Farsi. The book needs a glossary; it is liberally sprinkled with Persian and Arabic terms and references. I found an online version of the same text that included a glossary and printed that helpful appendix. Recognizing that the tireless epigrammatic and parabolic style of the book might be tiresome for some; that certain passages touching on race and gender – incidental to the overall benignity of the work, yet there, in all its unfortunate humanity and historicity nonetheless – may offend many; and that the physical book itself is rather like a facsimile bound for a college class by a conscientious professor who didn't want to burden students with the cost of the hardbound book in the university bookstore , I gave my edition Gulistan three stars.

I, too, was very disappointed to realize that this book contains only half of the actual Gulistan. There are, in actuality, 8 chapters yet this version only includes the first four and leaves out those detailing the themes of love and youth, weakness and elderliness, education, and last but not least a poetic guide on the way to live one's life. In sum, this is half of the Gulistan. What is included, however, is beautiful.

I been disappointed to find out that this is not a complete Gulistan of Saadi, several chapters are missing. Especially the one I was interested.Second the book description indicated that this book has 240 pages, which is not true, this book has only 221 pages.I gave 3 stars because of this disappointment. The real Gulistan is a six star book

This is an all-time classic work, I have re-read passages four and five times and have gotten deeper meaning each time.A foundation of both Eastern and Western culture.

This is one of the most enjoyable and fun reads I have encountered in years. I wish I had been introduced to Sa'di 20 years ago.

This edition of the Gulistan indicates the translator is Edwin Arnold. The actual translator of this edition published by Forgotten book is Edward Rehatsek. Nice attention to detail on that, Forgotten Books. One star for laziness.Rehatsek's translation, however, is the best of those that fall within the public domain.

Attempted well in translating the book but no text of persian found in to locate any poetry in persian equivalant to that in english.

Lovely translation and portrayal of Saadi's work. Also perfectly presented for western minds to try and grasp his ideas

This is the book used to teach Persian to candidates for the India Political Service, the élite of the Empire's servants. Full of wisdom and wit.

good shape, good delivery, interesting content