This book shows the vital importance of Iran in the formation of Islamic culture. It was Central Asian Iranians who changed Islam from an Arab religion into a world universal faith. And it was Iran which introduced Sufism into Islam, shaping the gnostic character of the religion. Sufism in the Secret History of Persia [in italics] illuminates Iranian Islamic civilisation and reveals the influence of Zoroastrianism and Mithraism on Sufi beliefs. Richard N. Frye, Harvard University, USA Overall, this book makes an important contribution to the academic literature on the aspect of Sufism in Persian history. It provides much food for thought, offers new thinking on old issues in research, sometimes philosophical in nature, and challenges previous academic views. Sufism in the Secret History of Persia is indispensable for anyone who takes an interest in this field and immensely useful for anyone who wishes better to understand the mysticism of Persia.

Haggai Mazuz, Annemarie Schimmel Kolleg, Bonn.