Ismaili Literature A Bibliography of Sources and Studies by Farhad Daftary (London and New York: I.B. Tauris Publishers, in association with The Institute of Ismaili Studies (London), 2004. 469 pages.)

Abstract

This compilation of Ismaili literature is the result of over thirty years of
research, put together by one of the world’s leading experts on Ismaili
thought and history. Previous attempts to take account of Ismaili literature
have been carried out by such noteworthy scholars as W. Ivanow and I.
Poonawala. But as the author notes, their compilations were essentially inventories of manuscripts, whereas the present bibliography is solely concerned
with those materials, both primary sources and secondary studies,
which have been published.
This bibliography contains an important survey of medieval and contemporary
developments in Ismaili studies. Particular attention is paid to the
early polemical assaults (and many outright fabrications) to which the
Ismaili image collectively fell victim and which caused numerous misunderstandings
concerning key Ismaili doctrines. Particularly noteworthy in this
regard is the Ismaili “black legend” that surreptitiously came to the fore by
the tenth century CE (see p. 87). This image, which severely distorted Ismaili
teachings with regard to both its faith and practice, resulted in increased
Ismaili polemics and hostilities. In addition, this image also suffered
defamation from outside the house of Islam, for distortions spread by the
Crusaders and other European travelers resulted in a slew of embellished
tales – the “Assassin legends.” ...