A contribution to Shi'ite Sufism. It brings us to the core of this movement with an analysis of Ibn 'Arabi's life and doctrines. It begins with a spiritual topography of the twelfth century, emphasizing the differences between exoteric and esoteric forms of Islam. It also relates Islamic mysticism to mystical thought in the West.

Ibn 'Arabi (1165-1240) was one of the great mystics of all time. Through the richness of his personal experience and the constructive power of his intellect, he made a unique contribution to Shi'ite Sufism. Here Islamic religion scholar Henry Corbin relates Islamic mysticism to mystical thought in the West, comparing Shakespeare's implied cosmology in such works as HAMLET and THE TEMPEST to the Sufi's imaginal realm or "place of souls". 5 plates, 2 in color.