Persian poetry has been part of world literature for centuries and was the most important literary genre in Iran until well into the 20th century. From the rich poetic tradition, the encounter with Western poetry, and the political and religious history of Iran, a modern Persian poetry has emerged that speaks to us directly, even where its images may initially seem foreign and distant. This anthology gathers around one hundred of the most beautiful poems of modern Persian poetry, from Nimâ Yushij, the "father of new poetry," to the mystic and painter Sohrab Sepehri and Forugh Farrokhzad, whose work is considered by many to be the pinnacle of Persian poetry, as well as two younger poets from the post-Islamic Revolution period. The brilliant, sensitive translation by Kurt Scharf provides German readers with a compelling impression.