Djinnology

Book excerpt: An intriguing and spine-tingling guide to the world of djinn. Lurking in the corner of your living room, perhaps reading this sentence over your shoulder right now, is an often invisible creature that is everywhere and nowhere. Djinn are the cool breezes in warm rooms, the materializations of your deepest desires, the monsters waiting beneath your bed. They have appeared in the stories of Muslim communities across time and throughout the world, but this is the first comprehensive illustrated guide to these beguiling creatures. Emmy Award–winning journalist Seema Yasmin and Pulitzer Prize-winning illustrator Fahmida Azim invite readers into the world of djinn, whether they are practicing Muslims steeped in the stories from childhood or are simply curious about Islamic culture and international folklore. Cultural and religious context, poetic reflections, and a collection of spooky tales are all nestled within a compelling narrative about the mysterious Dr. N, a contemporary scientist discovering the djinn realm. This book shines a light on a long-overlooked yet dazzlingly rich subject. INCLUSIVE VISION OF ISLAMIC LORE: Written by two progressive Muslim women, this book welcomes readers with diverse relationships to Islam. Yasmin and Azim blend a deep respect for and knowledge of the lore with a fresh perspective. The book incorporates stories from a Muslim diaspora that stretches from Paris to New Jersey and from Durban to Shanghai, showcasing a kaleidoscopic variety of djinn legends. DELUXE TOME: In this richly illustrated volume, Fahmida Azim's expressive and sensitive art captures the mysterious nature of djinn. A centerpiece map shows the djinn realm overlaid over our own world, and the book itself is embellished with shimmering accents and a striking dyed page edge. PERFECT FOR MYTHOLOGY AND FOLKLORE FANS: This is the perfect addition to any collection of world mythology. Anyone who enjoys learning about cultures through their folklore will relish the chance to explore the realm of the djinn. Perfect for: Folklore and mythology lovers Muslims seeking to celebrate their heritage Anyone interested in Islamic history and culture Spooky story buffs Fans of illustrated books Fans of mock-memoir fantasy novels like A Natural History of Dragons