The Quickening: Unknown Poetry of Tahirih

by John S. Hatcher, Amrollah Hemmat

The Quickening is a newly translated collection of stirring poems by the renowned nineteenth-century poetess Tahirih that deals with a subject that has challenged religious scholars throughout the ages. This subject is the concept of a last judgment or end of time. Tahirih's beautifully written poems show that the Baha'i view of the "Resurrection" or the "Quickening," as the term is translated here, stands in bold contrast to many traditional views. Her poems depict the Quickening as a prelude to a glorious outcome - the galvanizing of our collective will to bring about a just and lasting peace and the unification of humankind. This volume includes the poems of Tahirih in their original languages, Persian and Arabic, as well their English translations.

261 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2011

About the author

John S. Hatcher holds a BA and MA in English Literature from Vanderbilt University and a PhD in English literature from the University of Georgia. He is a professor emeritus of English literature at the University of South Florida, Tampa. A widely published poet and distinguished lecturer, he has written numerous books on literature, philosophy, and Baha'i theology and scripture.

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tahirih was a disciple of the Bab (Manifestation of God, and Forerunner of the founder of the Baha'i Faith). She holds several titles in the early history of the Faith. She was a Letter of the Living, who recognized the Bab in a visionary dream in 1844. She devoted her life to Him as the Promised One of all religions. She never met him in person. As was true of several other disciples, she taught thousands in Persia and Iraq about the new Faith. She was executed for her beliefs in 1852, buried alive in a well.

She was not an obscure woman. European scholars were thrilled with her poetry and intellectual freedom.

Almost concurrent to the date in 1848 the Declaration of Sentiments (Women's Rights) was published in Seneca Falls, New York, Tahirih appeared at the Conference at Badasht, attended by all of the prominent followers of the Bab, including Baha'u'llah. She removed her veil before the crowd and proclaimed the emancipation of women, and the principle of the equality of men and women.

Somehow I missed the publication of the first two volumes of her poetry. Read the Introduction, and you will note how unusual this treatment of her work is. John Hatcher is noted for rigorous scholarship. Amrollah Hemmat provided the translations from Persian and Arabic to English. Both of these men understand the historical and mystical context of what she wrote. It is not only an attempt to translate phrases and rhythms. Copious footnotes explain the concepts.