For any library or personal collection wanting to go beyond the obvious reference works on Islam and Sufism, this new historical dictionary provides a great deal. It is a specialized work...likely to support advanced work well, provide an array of well-chosen and well-related key terms in Sufism, open up helpful reading and sources, and please any student. Reference Reviews Renard (Saint Louis Univ.) compiles a vital reference source for Sufism, the mystical aspect of Islam...Overall, this is a thorough, well-organized, comprehensive, and much-needed resource that belongs in any collection supporting Islam. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. CHOICE This work, compiled by John Renard, professor in the Department of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University, provides researchers with quick access to both basic and obscure aspects of Sufism. The Historical Dictionary of Sufism includes more than 3,000 entries and cross-references on the history, main figures, institutions, theory, and literary works associated with Sufism. Middle East Journal, Spring 2007 The Historical Dictionary of Sufism stands as a testament to Scarecrow Press's continuing commitment to address current topics of global importance...This resource is one of the first in English dedicated to Sufism, a relatively unknown sect of Islam. Nationally recognized scholar and author John Renard (Saint Louis University) employs his extensive knowledge of both Western and Eastern spirituality and mysticism in each section...Renard uses his words to illuminate this elusive topic. This is an absolute must for Islamic, Philosophy, Religious Studies collections in all libraries, especially academic. Destined to become a definitive resource, The Historical Dictionary of Sufism is highly recommended. American Reference Books Annual To support the alphabetical entries that comprise the dictionary proper, Renard (theological studies, Saint Louis U.) provides a map showing major cities and regions from Spain to Indonesia, a chronology spanning some 14 centuries of Islamic history, an introduction to the historical approaches to Sufism, a glossary of technical terms, a thematic bibliography, and black-and-white photographs of works of art and architecture as well as a few scenes of Sufi activities. He says Sufism is not some aberrant sect or cult, but is integral to the history of the global faith of Islam, and wherever Muslims are found, Sufis will be among them. Extensive cross-referencing mitigates the lack of an index. Reference and Research Book News

John Renard is professor in the Department of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University, where he has taught Islamic studies, history of religion, and comparative theology since 1978.