Das Sendschreiben al-Qušayrīs Über das Sufitum. Introduction, translation and commentary by Richard Gramlich. (Freiburger Islamstudien, Band XII.) pp. xix, 659. Stuttgart, Franz Steiner Verlag Wiesbaden GmbH, 1989. DM 240.

indicate that the text, or its constituent parts, had attained some sort of sacred status early in its (or their) history, but that in itself tells us nothing about the time or circumstances of composition and compilation. Nevertheless, Brockett's stress on the fact that the Qur'an is not only "scripture" but also (orally delivered) liturgical text is important. In sum, therefore, this is a valuable collection which deepens our understanding of tafsir and reflects the extent to which academic study of that discipline flourishes. The volume has been admirably edited and is well produced.