From the vast corpus of sayings of the Imams, a selection has been prepared by the most highly respected religious authority of the Shìite school in the 20th century, Allamah Tabatabài. The selections have been translated with great skill and elegance by Professor William Chittick. Such fundamental themes as the Unity of God, the Ruler and Society, and the Spiritual Life, are covered by this excellent introduction to the worldview of Shìite Islam.