Simurgh: A Journey in Search of the Truth [Paperback]

Azar Aryanpour (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Simurgh is a free adaptation of The Conference of the Birds, a Persian classic written in late 12th century by a¿ mystic poet named Attar. All the birds of the world gather before Hoopoe to seek her advice in finding their divine king. Hoopoe informs them that they could unite with the King (Simurgh) on a very distant mountain, but the journey would be extremely hazardous. Only through love, faith, and self-denial the pilgrims could achieve their goal. Thousands of birds give up their familiar world to search for Simurgh with Hoopoe. After traveling seven treacherous continents, only thirty birds reach the promised mountain and realize that Simurgh is none other than themselves! While maintaining the spirit ofthe original work, Simurgh presents a more informative and enticing story for contemporary readers. Ten primary birds have been revised and twenty more carefully studied and added to the characters for the purpose of diversity. The seven Spiritual Valleys of the original narrative have been replaced with the seven continents of the world for simplification. Simurgh is a philosophical adventure tale that combines fantasy with fact, humor with wisdom, and novelty with spirituality.¿ The story's universal appeal goes beyond all ages.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born in Iran, Azar Aryanpour studied English literature and education at Western Reserve University and Akron University in Ohio, and at the University of Pennsylvania. She later received a second graduate degree in Library Sciences at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Ms. Aryanpour enjoyed a career as an instructor and a librarian for many years. She is now a free-lance writer and the compiler of several books for children and adults including her memoir, Behind the Tall Walls. The author has devoted a great deal of time in writing Simurgh for young readers, based on one of the most beloved stories of her own childhood. She lives in New Jersey and has three grown children and three grandchildren.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (April 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414023669
• ISBN-13: 978-1414023663
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,154,374 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simurq: Archetypal Image of Power & Wisdom, April 10, 2007

By 

Gholamali Shamlou "Personalized Signature" (Costa Mesa, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simurgh: A Journey in Search of the Truth (Paperback)

"Simurq" is the "King of Birds" who lives somewhere in the mythic-cosmic archetypal realm of "Qaf" mountain (Iran), a place that Henry Corbin believes, "...it is there that you will return when you're finally rid of your bond." The book, "Simurq: A Journey In Search of the Truth," is a free adaptation of the late twelfth century mystic poet, Attar, titled "The Conference of the Birds." The author, nicely and passionately, combines myth, fantasy, and legend with fact. Above all, Attar's creative imagery of birds and flight absolutely goes beyond all ages and feels.