The tradition of philosophy in the Persian-speaking world is rich, creative and diverse. Extending over a period of more than two millennia, and showcasing translations by scholars, this anthology offers bibliographical references throughout.

Ismaili philosophy at this time was able to integrate strands of Greco-Alexandrian thought such as Hermeticism and Neo-Pythagoreanism, as well as aspects of Mazdaeism and Manichaeism. It also showed marked interest in Neo-platonism.