The Gulistan

The Gulistan (Rose-garden), of Shaikh Sadi of Shiraz Sadi; by Platts, John T., Tr. Publication date 1876 The Gulistan, authored by Shaykh Mushrifuddin Sa‘di of Shiraz, is arguably the most influential book in the Iranian world. It serves as a model of prose for Persian writers, and its moral, philosophical, and practical wisdom is widely quoted. Even Sir John Malcolm mentioned it as the basis of Persian law.

The book's impact is not limited to Iran; it traveled abroad, influencing writers like Voltaire, Goethe, and Emerson. Travelers to Iran recognize it as essential for understanding the inhabitants' mindset. Written seven and a half centuries ago, the Gulistan contains moral stories grouped into themes, offering guidance for various situations. Sa‘di imparts morality, practicality, and philosophy in his writings. The Gulistan remains a source of Persian literary elegance and simplicity, and its quotes appear in various forms of literature. This English translation presents the timeless wisdom of Sa‘di's work to a modern audience, showcasing its continued relevance.