Bahá'í Books & Authors

“The sun of Bahá has set.” These were the opening words of the telegram announcing the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet and Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Who passed from this earthly life in the early hours of May 29, 1892. As the news traveled, throngs of mourners from all walks of life descended upon the fields surrounding the Bahjí compound where He had spent His final years on earth as a prisoner of the Ottoman Empire. Within twenty-four hours His sacred remains had been interred in a modest building that was to be the Point of Adoration, the Qiblih, toward which millions of His followers continue to turn in daily prayer.

In the pages of this book historian Michael V. Day takes the reader through the last years of Bahá’u’lláh’s life—in ‘Akká, Mazra‘ih, and Bahjí—highlighting pivotal moments and texts associated with the establishment of His shrine. Drawing upon a wide range of sources, including eyewitness accounts, the author paints vivid pictures of the daily life of the Manifestation and of those in His orbit; of His final days and illness; of His ascension and funeral, and of the period of mourning that followed. While there are many details that remain beyond our reach as we peer through the lens of history at these momentous events, the accounts pieced together here offer us a great deal to ponder and invite deep, meditative reflection.
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Robert Hayden was the first African-American Poet Laureate of the United States. Born in Detroit, he attended Detroit City College (now Wayne State University) and eventually earned a Master of Arts in English Literature from the University of Michigan. He became a Bahá’í in 1943, and in 1966, he was awarded grand prize for poetry at the First World Festival of Negro Arts. In 1975, he was appointed Poet Laureate.
Mr. Hayden believed that art and literature have the power to unite, illuminate, and inspire across ancestral and cultural lines. In a 1971 interview, he said, “As a Bahá’í I am committed to belief in the fundamental oneness of all races, the essential oneness of mankind, to the vision of world unity. And these are increasingly powerful influences on my poetry today.”
It is hoped that this book will introduce the reader to this artistic luminary whose life and poetry will continue to inspire many for generations to come.
“Susan Engle’s Robert Earl Hayden: A Man, a Pencil, and Poetry for All People is an inspiring account of a life devoted to poetry, teaching, and the cultivation of literary excellence. Engle is adept at making Hayden feel like a figure of dedication and generosity. Yes, he is a poetic genius, but he is also relatable. . . . Overall, this is a very well-written and beautifully composed book that is engrossing, educational, and deeply moving. Very highly recommended.” — Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
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Religion and faith communities have been a part of America’s struggle with racism throughout its history. While religion has been used to perpetuate oppression and enslavement, it has also inspired and sustained those laboring for justice. Eternal spiritual teachings and practices found across religious traditions—loving one another; recognizing our interdependence; promoting justice; and cultivating moral courage, humility, and compassion—offer vital resources for overcoming racism. Insights from these teachings and practices can be shared by all striving for the same aims whether or not they are religious adherents.
Illumined by Oneness grows out of a multi-year, multifaith dialogue on how religion and faith communities can contribute to overcoming racism. It invites readers into this conversation, offering readings, questions, and dialogue materials. Individuals and groups can use the resources and reflections provided to support study, conversation, and ultimately action on this vital and challenging issue.
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Many Bahá’ís will be familiar with the name John David Bosch; however, until now his life has not been explored in a comprehensive biography. John and his wife Louise are perhaps best known for their efforts and selfless generosity in helping to establish a Bahá’í school in northern California. The school, which opened in 1927 on the Bosches’ property in Geyserville, would grow as a center of learning and eventually relocate to its current location in the mountains above Santa Cruz and be named in their honor.

Author Angelina Diliberto Allen has drawn on extensive research to weave together the strands of the Bosches’ lives and give us a vivid picture of these inspiring souls. Within the pages of this book, the reader will find a treasure trove of highlights, from John’s discovery and embrace of the Faith under the tutelage of Helen Goodall to his deep and lasting friendships with such luminaries as Thornton Chase and Hands of the Cause Amelia Collins and Roy Wilhelm, to name just a few. Most notable of all, however, is the presence on these pages of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Encounters and correspondence with the Master are documented here extensively, and, in perhaps the book’s most stunning section, the reader is given an intimate glimpse of the days surrounding the Master’s passing. The Bosches were among a small group of pilgrims present at the time, and their experience of the event and the special tasks they performed are shared in detail.

John and Louise Bosch lived multifaceted lives of discovery, devotion, and service, and their story will leave the reader with much to reflect upon.
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Thornton Chase believed that "Religion is Life, and Life is Love, and Love is God." This is the story of one of the most significant figures in American Bahá'í history—from the time he joined the Bahá'í Faith in 1894 until his death in 1912. The author traces Chase's years of spiritual search and yearning, his departure from mainstream Protestant belief, and his discovery of the life and teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. Despite fierce tests and difficulties, Chase became a leading American Bahá'í writer, speaker and organizer. This is one man's spiritual odyssey, a shining example of how to live, love and worship one's Creator. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.