BAHBIB.TXT 1.1
Annotated Bibliography of Baha'i Books,
With additional information about obtaining Baha'i Books
This article is divided into 4 sections:
1) Some introductory books on the Baha'i Faith (an annotated bibliography)
2) Books by Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha
3) Other bibliographies of Baha'i publications
4) How to obtain Baha'i books.
5) Acknowledgements and version history for this bibliography
Please feel free to distribute this bibliography.
Please send suggestions or additional contributions to:
Carl Fravel <71710.2560@compuserve.com>;
1) SOME INTRODUCTORY BOOKS ON THE BAHA'I FAITH
==============================================
Titles are arranged alphabetically.
All Things Made New
John Ferraby
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 338 pp
ISBN 0-900125-24-1
Offers the reader a comprehensive introduction to the Baha'i Faith.
The author's inclusion of many quotations from the Baha'i sacred
Writings complements an overview of the Faith as complete as to be
found anywhere. Its first section, "The Teachings of the Faith,"
discusses the oneness of God and of religion, the oneness of mankind,
social and economic teachings, personal conduct, science and the
knowledge of God, the relation of the Baha'i Faith to other religions.
Part Two concerns the Central Figures of the Faith; and Part Three,
"The Baha'i Community," looks at the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, the
Baha'i Administrative Order and laws, obligations and teaching the
Faith.
The Baha'i Faith
Mary Perkins
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 96pp
ISBN 0-7062-39393
A short, basic introduction to the Baha'i Faith, covering the history,
teachings and way of life of the Baha'i community. One of the most
popular, easy to read introductions to the Baha'i Faith. Fully
illustrated.
The Baha'i Faith: The Emerging Global Religion
William S. Hatcher & J. Douglas Martin
Harper & Row, 248 pp
ISBN 0-06065-441-4 (cloth)
ISBN 0-06312-078-X (paper)
As the publishers describe it, "Here is the first definitive
introduction -- sure to become a standard reference work -- of the
history, teaching, administrative structure and community life of the
Baha'i Faith, the youngest and one of the fastest growing of the
world's independent religions." Martin, an historian, and Hatcher, a
professor of mathematics, have produced a survey of the Baha'i Faith
especially strong in its examination of the turbulent early history of
the Faith and its relationship to Islam. The authors stress the
pivotal concept of the Baha'i Faith: the oneness of the human race and
an emerging global order. As well, they examine a wide range of
Baha'i teachings, such as the oneness and progressive character of
religion, the unity of science and religion, the equality of woman and
man, economic justice, the spiritual foundation of life, the
institutions of the Baha'i Faith and disciplines for daily living.
Baha'u'llah and the New Era
John Esslemont
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 318pp
ISBN 0-87743-160-4
The best known introductory book, translated into 30 languages, and in
continuous print since 1923. Written by a distinguished early British
Baha'i, this book presents a thorough outline of the history,
principal figures, spiritual and social teachings, and administrative
organization of the Faith. An especially interesting section examines
the relationship of Baha'u'llah to the expectations and prophecies,
such as the coming of the Kingdom of God in Christianity, that are to
be found in all faiths.
The Earth is But One Country
John Huddleston
Baha'i Publishing Trust (United Kingdom), 320pp
ISBN 0-900125-91-8
"Many, concerned about the condition of society and about the sense of
unfulfillment in their personal lives," says the author,
"automatically assume that they will not find an answer in religion.
Past experience has left a negative impression of superstition and
escapism. This Book is primarily addressed to those who have this
point of view." It presents the needs of humanity today, emphasizing
the practical means for building a new civilization where all peoples
can live together in justice, harmony, and peace.
The Imperishable Dominion
Udo Schaefer
George Ronald Publisher, 320pp
ISBN 0-85398-142-6
An analysis of modern thought since the 1700's showing how it has
contributed to society's current crises, and presenting the Baha'i
answers to today's dilemmas.
Preparing for a Baha'i/Christian Dialogue: Understanding Biblical Evidence
Michael Sours
Oneworld Publications Ltd
Vol 1 ISBN 1-85168-018-7
Vol 2 ISBN 1-85168-032-2
This is a multi-volume study program designed to help Baha'is familiarize
themselves with the Bible and Christian theology. The fact that this is a
multi-volume set should not prove intimidating. It is well written and not
cumbersome. Among the features one finds: practical advice on how to study
the Bible, methods of interpreting the Bible, answers to the most common
Christian questions concerning proofs and progressive revelation, answers
to christian questions about Baha'i teachings, the Bible ,and Christ.
The Prophecies of Jesus
Michael Sours
Oneworld Publications Ltd, 223pp
ISBN 1-85168-025-X
In the nineteenth century, may Christians throughout the Western world
expected the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies. Some even ventured to
conclude from the Scriptures that Jesus would return in 1844. This
widespread expectation is well known to historians and culminated in what
has been referred to as 'the Great Disappointment'. Recalling those
times, one believer later wrote: "That day came and passed, and the
darkness of another night closed in upon the world. But with that
darkness came a pang of disappointment to the advent believers that
can find a parallel only in the sorrow of the disciples after the
crucifixion of their Lord."
Yet in the very same year, a dynamic religious movement swept across
Persia which heralded the advent and swift emergence of the Baha'i Faith.
The only religion born during that time to become a global faith, its
founder, Baha'u'llah, claimed to be no less than the fulfillment of the
very biblical prophecies that had so inspired the hopes of the Christian
adventists. Prophecies of Jesus offers a thoughtful, verse by verse
exploration of Jesus's greatest prophetic sermon in the light of
Baha'u'llah's extraordinary ministry and teachings, nineteenth century
Christian beliefs and current Christian interpretations.
The Renewal of Civilization
David Hofman
George Ronald Publisher, 144pp
ISBN 0-85398-007-1
Examination of religion as the creative force behind the rise and
reformation of civilization.
To a Seeker
Nathan Rutstein
George Ronald Publisher, 121pp
ISBN 0-85398-239-2
The need for spiritual development as a pathway to happiness is
frequently overlooked. The author describes how the Baha'i Faith can
show us the way to that elusive happiness. A dramatic vision of the
future, and the steps now being taken by Baha'is to attain it, is
offered to the seeker who searches for a "new day."
A Thief in the Night
William Sears
George Ronald Publisher, 304pp
ISBN 85398-008-X
Mr. Sears sub-titles this book _The Case of the Missing Millennium_ and
describes, how, having once discovered the problem, he set our to unearth
the clues leading to its solution. the Problem centers on the belief
among many christians that Christ's return would take place in the 1840's.
Scoffers were many, but some were enthusiastic. Mr. Sears offers as
the solution the arguments in this book.
=======================================
Baha'u'llah was the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith. His writings
are considered scriptural by the Baha'is.
Baha'u'llah appointed His eldest son, Abdu'l-Baha, to be the authorized
interpreter of the writings. Abdu'l-Baha also traveled to Europe and
the USA.
The following books have been in some cases published by a number of
Baha'i publishing trusts in various countries. Where ISBN numbers
are listed, they are generally for the least expensive edition
currently available from the USA Baha'i Distribution Service.
Baha'u'llah
-----------
The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah
Baha'u'llah's teachings on ethics, and on the relationship
of God and man.
The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys
Two mystical writings, on the stages in the spiritual
growth of the soul.
The Kitab-i-Iqan
Baha'u'llah's teachings on the subject of progressive revelation,
which is the view that the religions and prophets are part
of one historical process by which God has educated mankind.
Explanations of past scriptures and the prophecies they contain.
The Kitab-i-Aqdas
ISBN 0-85398-999-0 (hardcover)
Baha'u'llah's book of laws for this dispensation, with comprehensive
notes from the Universal House of Justice.
Tablets of Baha'u'llah
ISBN 0-87743-216-3 (paperback)
A collection of some of Baha'u'llah's late writings, revealed
after the Kitab-i-Aqdas
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf
ISBN 0-87743-048-9
ISBN 0-87743-235-X (paperback)
One of Baha'u'llah's last writings, this is essentially Baha'u'llah's
anthology of His own teachings.
Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah
ISBN 0-87743-111-6 (hardcover)
ISBN 0-87743-112-4 (paperback)
A collection of extracts of Baha'u'llah's writings covering
many subjects.
Prayers and Meditations.
A large collection of prayers and meditations revealed by Baha'u'llah.
Some of these are prayers He revealed for us to use, and some are
His prayers to God.
Abdu'l-Baha
-----------
Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha
A collection of important passages from the writings of Abdu'l-Baha
Promulgation of Universal Peace
A collection of the public talks given by Abdu'l-Baha while he
traveled through the United States.
Some Answered Questions
ISBN 0-87743-190-6 (paperback)
A collection of dinner-table talks in which Abdu'l-Baha answered
a number of questions pertaining to various topics, including
the relationship of the Baha'i teachings to the Bible.
Paris Talks
Another collection of talks on various subjects by Abdu'l-Baha.
Collections:
------------
Baha'i Prayers
ISBN 0-87743-175-2
ISBN 0-87743-176-0 (paperback)
ISBN 0-87743-177-9 (deluxe)
Prayers from Baha'u'llah, Abdu'l-Baha, and the Bab, arranged
by subject.
The Divine Art of Living
Baha'i teachings on various aspects of living a spiritual life.
Unto Him Shall We Return
Baha'i teachings on the purpose of life, and on death and life
after death.
The Power of Unity
Baha'i teachings on the application of the spiritual principle
of unity in general to race unity in particular.
Peace: More than an End to War
Baha'i teachings about the establishment of true peace in this
world, and the prerequisites to that occurring.
3) OTHER BIBLIOGRAHIES OF BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS
=============================================
Bibliography of English-Language Works on the Babi and Baha'i Faith,
1844-1985
William P. Collins
Oxford: George Ronald, 1990
ISBN 0-85398-315-1.
The most comprehensive bibliography of English-language publications
The Baha'i Faith: A Historical Bibliography
Joel Bjorling
New York: Garland Publishing, 1985
A less comprehensive bibliography which has been superseded by Collins.
The Sources for Early Babi Doctrine and History: A Survey
Dr. Denis MacEoin
Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1992
ISBN 9004094628.
This is both a listing of manuscripts/publications, and a critical
study of the corpus of the Bab's works.
The Baha'i Studies Bulletin
Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K., 1982-
This periodical contains regular bibliographic listings.
The Baha'i World, v.XVIII, 1979-1983
Haifa: Baha'i World Centre, 1986
pp. 887-889.
Includes a brief listing of books in languages other than English.
4) HOW TO OBTAIN BAHA'I BOOKS
=============================
a) Visit your public library. It is quite likely that your library
has a few introductory titles.
b) Contact your local Baha'i community. Many local communities have
a local phone number listed under "Baha'i Faith", or "Baha'i Community".
c) Call the Baha'i Publishing Trust in your country.
In Canada that would be at
They can take telephone orders, and can also send you a price list,
and a more complete listing of publications than included in the
bibliography above.
d) Call or visit one of the Baha'i bookstores.
For example, there is a book store in the Langford/Colwood area,
(Baha'i Information Center & Bookstore, (604) 474-5526), and one in
Duncan (Phone: (604) 746-3605, and in Campbell River (Phone: (604)
286-6448). For those of you who are calling from Vancouver or Lower
Mainland, you can call (604) 731-8199 in Vancouver, and they will
surely be able to help you further.
5) VERSION HISTORY AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FOR THIS BIBLIOGRAPHY
=============================================================
1.0 3/21/93. Began with a bibliography of introductory books circulated
on soc.religion.bahai newsgroup by
Babak Kashef <babak@canada.sun.com>;
Rick Troxel <rick@helix.nih.gov>;
Edited, other materials added, and submitted to
the Compuserve Religion Forum library
by Carl Fravel <71710.2560@compuserve.com>;
1.1 Revised and resubmitted 4/28/93 by Carl Fravel, with corrections
and additional contributions from:
Ed Ordaz <70404,1133@compuserver.com>;
Carl Fravel
Resubmitted to the Compuserve Religion Forum library.
Submitted to the Baha'i National BBS.