The New DIVAN of HAFEZ (Newly edited, corrected, centered edition)

In this review of The New DIVAN of HAFEZ, the reviewer finds a compelling single-volume translation and introduction that will appeal to readers seeking a faithful, poetic English rendering of Hafez's work. Paul Smith's revised edition presents 791 ghazals, masnavis, rubais and songs in readable English while maintaining the original rhyme-structure where possible, making this edition the clearest choice for students of Persian poetry and general readers who want a literary, spiritually informed companion rather than a literal scholarly apparatus.

Key Features

• Complete one-volume edition: Collects Hafez's 791 ghazals, masnavis, rubais and other poems so readers have the poet's core work in a single, convenient book for study and reference.
• Revised and corrected text: The newly edited and corrected layout reduces transcription errors and improves readability for those using the Divan for close reading.
• Poetic, readable translation: Paul Smith aims to preserve Hafez's rhyme-structure without intruding, producing English that reads as poetry rather than as a literal, stilted translation.
• Substantial introduction: A 70-page Introduction offers more detailed biographical and spiritual context than many editions, useful for readers new to Hafez.
• Spiritual and practical framing: The book treats the Divan as both a work of art and a worldly guide or oracle, which helps readers approach the poems for personal reflection.

Who It's For

This edition is best for literary readers, students of Persian poetry, and anyone drawn to mystical or spiritual verse who wants a single, poetic English rendering of Hafez's major corpus. It serves readers who value a translator's craft that balances rhyme and readability without heavy academic apparatus.

Scholars seeking critical apparatus, textual variants, or a literal word-for-word translation should look to annotated scholarly editions rather than this poetic one-volume presentation. Readers who require parallel Persian text on every page may also prefer a bilingual edition.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive one-volume collection makes the full Divan accessible and convenient for study.
• The 70-page Introduction provides rich biographical and spiritual context that enhances reading.
• Paul Smith's poetic translation achieves readable English while respecting rhyme-structure, improving enjoyment of the verse.

Cons

• Not aimed at readers who need a heavily annotated scholarly edition or full textual apparatus.

Specifications

Title	The New DIVAN of HAFEZ (Newly edited, corrected, centered edition)
Translator / Editor	Paul Smith
Contents	791 ghazals, masnavis, rubais and other poems
Introduction	Approximately 70 pages of biography and spiritual commentary
Edition	Completely revised one-volume edition

Our Verdict

This edition is recommended for readers who want a single accessible English Divan that reads as poetry and provides substantial context. Paul Smith's revisions and the long Introduction make it good value for anyone approaching Hafez for literary or spiritual reading, while those needing scholarly notes should choose a dedicated academic edition instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include all of Hafez's poems?
Yes; this revised one-volume edition collects 791 ghazals, masnavis, rubais and other poems attributed to Hafez.

Who prepared the translation and introduction?
The translation and 70-page Introduction were prepared by Paul Smith, who aimed for poetic readability with preserved rhyme-structure.

Is this a scholarly, annotated text?
No; this edition emphasizes a poetic English rendering and a substantial introductory essay rather than exhaustive critical apparatus or line-by-line annotation.