This book brings together a collection of the best works from Farhad Daftary, one of the foremost authorities in the field. The studies cover a range of specialised topics related to Ismaili history, historiography, institutions, theology, law and philosophy, amongst other intellectual traditions elaborated by the Ismailis.

Introduction I. Shi¿i Communities in History II. The Study of the Ismailis: Phases and Issues III. Ismaili History and Literary Traditions IV. Idris ¿Imad al-Din and Medieval Ismaili Historiography V. A Major Schism in the Early Ismäili Movement VI. The Ismaili däwa under the Fatimids VII. The Concept of ¿ujja in Ismaili Thought VIII. Cyclical Time and Sacred History in Medieval Ismaili Thought IX. ¿Ali in Classical Ismaili Theology X. Al-Qäi al-Nu¿man, Ismäili Law and Imami Shi¿ism XI. The Iranian School of Philosophical Ismailism XII. The Medieval Ismäilis of the Iranian Lands XIII. The 'Order of the Assassins': J. von Hammer and the Orientalist Misrepresentations of the Nizari Ismailis XIV. Ismaili-Seljuq Relations: Conflict and Stalemate XV. Sinan and the Nizari Ismailis of Syria XVI. Hidden Imams and Mahdis in Ismaili History XVII. Religious Identity, Dissimulation and Assimilation: The Ismaili Experience