Explores the use of allegory in the writing of the renowned eleventh-century Muslim philosopher known in the West as Avicenna, paying special attention to the ways he influenced theological, mystical, and literary thought in subsequent Islamic--and Western--intellectual and religious history.

The text concludes with an investigation of the literary dimension Avicenna's allegorical theory and practice by examining his use of description metaphor. Allegory and Philosophy in Avicenna is an original and important work that breaks new ground by applying the techniques of modern literary criticism to the study of Medieval Islamic philosophy. It will be of interest to scholars and students of medieval Islamic and Western literature and philosophy.

Note on Transliteration and DatesList of AbbreviationsJournals and Reference WorksTitles of Works by AvicennaPrefacePART I. INTRODUCTION1. Avicenna and Islamic Allegory2. Avicenna: Courtier, Physician, PhilosopherPART II. ALLEGORY AND PHILOSOPHY3. The Structure and Representation of the Cosmos4. Avicenna's Theory of the Soul5. Avicenna's Theory of KnowledgePART III. THE MI'RAJ NAMA6. Translation of the Mi'raj Nama7. The Translation of the Mi'raj Nama (The Book of the ProphetMuhammad's Ascent to Heaven)PART IV. INTERPRETATION AND ALLEGORY7. The Interpretation and Function of Allegory8. Allegory and AllegoresisAPPENDICESAppendix A On AllegoryAppendix B On the Attribution of the Mi'raj NamaAppendix C The ManuscriptsAppendix D The Text of Avicenna's Version of the Mi'raj (without his attendant commentary)BIBLIOGRAPHYINDEX