"Dominion of the earth from end to end is worth less than a drip of blood upon the earth." Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam that teaches love, humility, poverty, pragmatism and wisdom. In his timeless introduction, Idries Shah presents selections of lyric poems, fantastic tales, humorous anecdotes, and insightful maxims straight from the writings of revered Sufi masters. Originally a reaction against the increasing worldliness of Islam, Sufi wisdom still hits home in a modern world obsessed with pleasure and material wealth.