About the author
Idries Shah (; Hindi: इदरीस शाह, Urdu: ادریس شاه; 16 June 1924 – 23 November 1996), also known as Idris Shah, Indries Shah, né Sayed Idries el-Hashimi (Arabic: سيد إدريس هاشمي) and by the pen name Arkon Daraul, was an Afghan author, thinker and teacher in the Sufi tradition. Shah wrote over three dozen books on topics ranging from psychology and spirituality to travelogues and culture studies. Born in British India, the descendant of a family of Afghan nobles on his father's side and a Scottish mother, Shah grew up mainly in England. His early writings centred on magic and witchcraft. In 1960 he established a publishing house, Octagon Press, producing translations of Sufi classics as well as titles of his own. His seminal work was The Sufis, which appeared in 1964 and was well received internationally. In 1965, Shah founded the Institute for Cultural Research, a London-based educational charity devoted to the study of human behaviour and culture.
📖 Where to start with Idries Shah
💬 What our editors say about Idries Shah's books
“Idries Shah presents an illuminating exploration of esoteric mindsets, enriched by numerous illustrations and years of dedicated fieldwork. This volume is a must for anyone interested in the methodologies of human thought…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Magia oriental Shah, Idries
“Shah’s profusely illustrated volume stands as a monumental achievement in cultural understanding, offering scholarly precision across a dozen regions. However, it is not suited for those seeking quick, superficial entertainment…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Magia oriental Shah, Idries
“Shah’s seminal text succeeds in redefining Sufism as a vital psychological tool rather than an eccentric religious practice. However, readers expecting ecstatic rituals or strict theological adherence will likely find it dry or…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Sufis. Idries Shah (Revised)
📋 Editions by Idries Shah in the catalog
| Edition | Year | Publisher | Pages | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magia oriental Shah, Idries | 2019 | Isf Publishing | 344 | 9781784799441 |
| Magia oriental Shah, Idries | 2019 | Isf Publishing | 344 | 9781784799762 |
| The Sufis. Idries Shah (Revised) | — | Octagon Press, Limited | — | 9780863040740 |
