Borrowed Ware: Medieval Persian Epigrams (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From The New Yorker

Mr. Davis has put what he calls "Medieval Persian Epigrams" into easy, idiomatic English and provided an engaging introduction to the Persian world and an explanation of the code words that might otherwise puzzle modern readers. These authors were court poets, highly valued and well rewarded for wit, elegance, and a light touch. Originality of theme was not necessary, but there are surprises among the lovers' laments and financial complaints. Jahan Khatun, one of the few women poets, considered erotic reform but decided to "renounce renunciations." (A contemporary accused her of being a prostitute, but Mr. Davis points out that he "said this kind of thing" about everybody.) Vahshi requests,

Sweet breeze, inform my noble
lord from me
That panegyrics are what I excel at,
And if he gets obstreperous and rude,
Say satire's also something I do
well at.

The poems are faced by versions in Persian script, making the collection pretty as well as amusing. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"Dick Davis's translation of the best of Persias's medieval short poetry, borrowed ware, is wonderful book, suffused with love, beautifully produced and with a comprehensive introduction to Persian courtly poetry."

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Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Mage Publishers (May 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0934211388
• ISBN-13: 978-0934211383
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,263,068 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)