Among the masterpieces of world literature, perhaps the least familiar to English readers is the Persian book of Kings ("Shahnameh", in Persian). This prodigious national epic, composed by the poet Ferdowsi between 980 and 1010, tells the story of ancient Persia, beginning in the mythic time of Creation and continuing forward to the Arab-Islamic invasion in the 7th century. Translator Dick Davis combines his skills as a poet and a Ferdowsi scholar to evoke the metrical music, impact, and nuance of Ferdowsi's monumental poem. Breathtaking miniatures from the finest Persian Shahnameh manuscripts of the 16th and 17th centuries heighten the emotional impact of the text. A short afterword by the eminent art historian Stuart Cary Welch unravels the history behind these paintings.
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A beautiful book... reminiscent of a medieval Persian manuscript... the volume is a rich and evocative example of bookmaking. -- Choice Magazine
A beautiful book...reminiscent of a medieval Persian manuscript. ...The volume is a rich and evocative example of bookmaking. -- Choice Magazine
A beautiful book...reminiscent of a medieval Persian manuscript. ...The volume is a rich and evocative example of bookmaking. -- Choice Magazine
Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Persian
Original Language: Persian
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
in fairness to the publisher,
By Jeffrey D. Sokolow (Roswell, GA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Lion and the Throne: Stories from the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi, Vol. 1 (Hardcover)
I recently saw this book as well as the second volume in the planned three-volume set in the gift shop at the Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C., in connection with an exhibit of art work from various Shahnameh manuscripts currently on display. In all fairness to the publisher, it should be pointed out that this is a gloriously illustrated art book, not simply a text. The full-color enlargements of miniature fragments from medieval Persian manuscipts are breathtakingly beautiful, and the high price no doubt reflects the fact that this book was very expensive to produce. It is exquisitely produced and for those who can afford it well worth the cost. The rest of us should urge our public libraries to acquire it!
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Exquisite!,
By Ramin (Louisiana, US) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Lion and the Throne: Stories from the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi, Vol. 1 (Hardcover)
The Book of Kings, or Shahnameh in Persian, is a compilation of ancient Iranian stories put in Persian verse by Ferdowsi in the 10th Century. Its earliest stories describe the period from the golden age of Elamite civilization to the birth of the prophet Zoroaster. Despite its blend of fantasy and history, this book has been Iran's emotional link to its past for a thousand years. The book itself survived the incredible devastation of the Mongol invasian to become a testament to patriotism and a text book on leadership. This translation includes some magnificent works of manuscript art/calligraphy from the version commissioned by the first two Safavid shahs. (A chapter by Stuart Welch masterfully analyzes the history and techniques of the artwork.) To grasp the moral power of the Book of Kings on Iranians one should recall that its stories have been used by rulers and revolutionaries alike to justify their actions, or inspire reaction, for centuries. The story of Kaveh the Ironsmith (the first non-introductory story of this volume) was used by the revolutionaries to inspire Iranians to rise up against the monarchy in 1979. I for one am very happy to finally see a complete English translation of this international literary classic, and can hardly wait for Volumes 2 & 3. My only criticism of this edition is its price. I hope Mr. Davis did not want to have this compete with the Houghton Shahnameh for exclusivity!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The search is over,
By Simosh "simosh" (Bombay, Maharashtra India) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Lion and the Throne: Stories from the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi, Vol. 1 (Hardcover)
I have been looking for a version of the shah nameh that both adults and children could enjoy, for years. I was first exposed to these stories as a child by my grandfather and I have never forgotten them. The Heroism, Romance and Tragedy that one is exposed to in these stories is truly exhilarating. It is simply but lyrically translated.The book also has beautiful reproductions of the persian paintings on the shah nameh which are an added treat. I eagerly await the two volumes which are yet to come.
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
In the beginning, men lived in a scattered, haphazard way, without true culture or civilization. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Kay Qobad, Kay Kavus, White Demon, King Kavus, Alborz Mountains, Zal-e Zar, Fortress of Alanan, Qaren-e Kavian, River Oxus, White Mountain, Mount Asporuz, Mount Damavand New!
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
In the beginning, men lived in a scattered, haphazard way, without true culture or civilization. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Kay Qobad, Kay Kavus, White Demon, King Kavus, Alborz Mountains, Zal-e Zar, Fortress of Alanan, Qaren-e Kavian, River Oxus, White Mountain, Mount Asporuz, Mount Damavand New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 2
books:
11
books
cite this book:
See all 11 books citing this book
- Epic & Sedition : The Case of Ferdowsis Shahnameh by Dick Davis in Back Matter
- Wonders of the Age: Masterpieces of Early Safavid Painting, 1501-1576 by Stuart C. Welch in Back Matter
- Films of Makhmalbaf: Cinema, Politics and Culture in Iran by Eric Egan on page 73, Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- In the Dragon's Claws: The Story of Rostam and Esfandiyar from the Persian Book of Kings by Abolqasem Ferdowsi in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- New Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies by Najmieh K. Batmanglij in Back Matter
- How to Study the Law and Take Law Exams (Nutshell Series) by Ann M. Burkhart on page 8
- The History of Theater in Iran by Willem Floor in Back Matter
See all 11 books citing this book
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