Some introductory books
from various perspectives:

A Short History of the Bahá´í Faith
by sociologist, Peter Smith,
Oneworld, Oxford, U.K. 1995,
ISBN: 1-85168-070-5 (softcover). Clear and accurate approach in giving a context for Western readers with little or no knowledge of Islam, then summarizes the development of the Bahá´í Faith up to the 1990s. Contains maps, useful illustrations, a detailed index and contents, so it is easy to focus on specifics.

The elements of the Bahá´í Faith
by anthropologist, Joseph Sheppherd,
Element Books, Dorset, U.K. 1992, ISBN: 1-85230-372-7. Simple and clear introduction to the origins, basic teachings and lifestyle. The focus is on general feel of what it is like to be a Bahá´í.

Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era by J.E.Esselmont (various reprints since 1937). Covers a broad range of topics with a good index. Translated into many languages.

Divine Symphony by Gayle Woolson,
Bahá´í Publishing Trust, India, ISBN: 81-85091-44-7.
Generalized highlights from the major religions of the world and then sections comparing these to the Bahá´í writings.

Some Answered Questions by Laura Clifford Barney
(various reprints in a number of languagues since 1908). Her questions and 'Abdul-Bahá's responses on a broad range of topics from the purpose of religion to Bahá´í approaches to education.

Christ and Bahá'u'lláh by George Townsend
(various reprints since 1957). George Ronald Publishing, Oxford, U.K. George Townsend was a Canon and dignitary of the Anglican Church before joining the Bahá´í Faith, and from this viewpoint, he shows how Bahá'u'lláh fulfills the Christian expectation for the return of Christ.

The New Gospel by Eric Bowes,
Kalimát Press, U.S.A. 1988, ISBN: 0-933770-67-7.
The author studied for the Baptist ministry before joining the Bahá´í Faith. These essays were lectures delivered to a Congregational church in Australia in the 50's and 60's.

Hinduism and the Bahá´í Faith by Moojan Momen,
George Ronald Publishing, Oxford, U.K. 1990,
ISBN: 0-85398-299-6. Clear insightful introduction to the religious and social teachings of Hinduism and the Bahá´í Faith.

Buddhism and the Bahá´í Faith by Moojan Momen,
George Ronald Publishing, Oxford, U.K. 1995,
ISBN: 0-85398-384-4. An introduction to the Bahá´í Faith for Theravada Buddhists.

The Bábí and Bahá´í Religions
by sociologist, Peter Smith,
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K. 1987,
ISBN: 0-521-30128-9 (hardcover), 0-521-31755 (pbk). An easy to read academic approach looking at the origins of the Bahá´í Faith (1880's onwards). Contains maps, useful illustrations, a detailed index and contents, so it is easy to focus on specifics. It also has an extensive bibliography.

Circle of Unity
A collection of essays edited by Anthony A. Lee,
Kalimát Press, U.S.A. 1984,
ISBN: 0-933770-2806. Bahá´í Approaches to current social issues, with essays on: human rights, peace, race relations, racial injustice, the women's movement, economic and social development, the antinuclear movement and marxisim. Other books in this series are: Equal Circles (on gender), and Creative Circles (on the arts).

Meditation by Wendi Momen,
George Ronald Publishing, Oxford, U.K.
ISBN: 0-85398-407-7. -Approaches on what is meditation, meditation techniques, and themes on the topic with reference to the Bahá´í Teachings and Writings. Also useful for those who want some general inspiration on meditation.

I beheld a Maiden...
The Bahá´í Faith and the life of the spirit
by Terry Culhane,
Kalimát Press, U.S.A. 2001,
ISBN: 1-890688-10-X. -Essays on the divine feminine, the covenant and commonwealth, mysticism, and Bahá'u'lláh and the philosophy of Ken Wilber.


There are books on all sorts of topics, ranging from the supernatural to evolution to mysticism to the environment. Email (sen[at]tele2.nl) your request on a particular topic or for information in a particular language and we'll see what we can find. Below are a few by category.

Peace - Circle of Peace, Kalimát Press
Economics -
Evolution - Evolution and the Bahá'í Faith, Kalimát Press
Biographies - see The Báb, Bahá'u'lláh, 'Abdu'l-Bahá
The Mystical - The Seven Valleys, or the Hidden Words
(in most languages from various publishers)
Gender Issues - Equal Circles, Kalimát Press
Racial Issues - Circle of Unity, Kalimát Press
Social Issues - The Phoenix and the ashes, George Ronald
The Environment -
Bahai Scripture - see Scripture, Sources, Prayer, Prayers
Academic Studies - see Bahá'í Studies


See also: Biographies * History * Scripture * Devotional

There are hundreds and hundred of books produced by Bahá´ís or from Bahá´í perspectives in many languages. Here are a few publishers with websites: