While a Ph.D. student at Cambridge University, Iloliev (Institute of Ismaili Studies, London) traveled several times to Tajikistan, where he consulted original manuscripts that belonged to Wakhani (1839-1903) that are known only to his close family and a few local scholars. On this foundation, he presents an introduction to the man and his contribution to Isma'ili thought and the Persian poetic tradition. He sets this focused study within a larger one about the impact of cultural and religious diversity on the composition of Isma'ili tradition, which he says has been largely overlooked by historians and Islamic specialist. Annotation 2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
