Attar, the twelfth-century Persian mystic whom Rumi hailed as his master, has long inspired poets, thinkers, and seekers of the soul—but his work has remained largely inaccessible to English readers. The Invisible Sun, translated by award-winning poet Sholeh Wolpé, brings together Attar’s most profound and luminous poetry, offering a treasury of insight, comfort, and spiritual guidance for contemporary readers.

Attar (1145–1221), also known as Shaikh Farid-ud-Din, was a pharmacist, a seeker, and a poet whose verses explored the delicate interplay between the human and the divine. Rooted in Sufi philosophy, his poetry teaches that while the soul awaits liberation, it can experience the transcendent through the inward journey of self-purification and mystic union. Wolpé’s translation captures both the depth and the simplicity of Attar’s vision, allowing his timeless wisdom to shine with clarity, elegance, and grace.

Through intimate, meditative, and sometimes startlingly vivid verses, The Invisible Sun reflects on life, love, and the journey of the soul. It reveals why Rumi called Attar “the spirit” and himself “its shadow,” demonstrating the enduring power of a poet whose influence resonates across centuries. Wolpé’s translation is a labor of love, a bridge connecting modern readers with a voice that has shaped generations of mystics and writers alike.

“This book is the fruit of years of devotion and labor, born of my deep love for Attar,” says Wolpé. “His wisdom transformed my life, and it may transform yours too. Change rarely arrives like lightning, but once a seed is planted, it grows.” HarperCollins’ commissioning editor, Prerna Gill, adds, “The Invisible Sun is a rare book that both soothes and inspires—its masterfully translated poems will find a home in every heart.”

The Invisible Sun is a luminous guide for the soul, a timeless celebration of mysticism, and an essential introduction to one of the world’s most influential Sufi poets. This hardback edition spans 240 pages, is priced at INR 599, and will be released on 7 November 2025, available wherever books are sold.