Customer Reviews

The Tragedy of Sohrab and Rostam, Revised Edition (Publications on the Near East, University of Washington)

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This book is surely a must for any student of classical Persian literature. The original Persian along side the English translation of the tragedy of Sohrab and Rostam from the Persian epic the Shahname. For anyone who is not acquainted with the Shahname it is a Persian epic tracing history of the Persian kings to the fall of the Persian empire and the Arab invasion. The Shahname (or book of kings) is just that; it is an epic tale similar to the Greek epics of the rise and fall of kings, mythical tales, epic battles and tragedy. Amongst other predominantly Muslim people we have the stories of Antar for the Arabs or Dede Korkut for the Turks. It is quite possible that all of these works influenced Shorta Rustaveli in his writing of the 'Knight in the panther skin' the Georgian epic.

The author provides an introduction to the Shahname, its origins and development. He further explains the importance of the Shahname to the Persian people and Persian culture and continues with the history of the Shahname post Firdosi (The author) The author continues giving an introduction to the text that he is translating and the editions of the Shahname he has used.

The text is flowing and retains much of its poetical style thus, keeping it in its correct historical context. For students of Persian that there is a corresponding Persian text on the opposite page is also of benefit. There are notes at the end of the book explaining parts of the text that the reader may find difficult to understand.

Not the complete Shahname but an excellent introduction and one I would recommend.