Shahnameh: The Epic of the Persian Kings [Readers Edition] (Readers Edition) (Readers Edition)

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Synopsis
A fresh, lyrical new translation of Persia’s founding epic. Abu al-Qasem Ferdowsi (940–1020 CE), one of Iran’s greatest poets, versified the ancient legends of the Persian Book of Kings (Shahnameh) in verse over one thousand years ago. It is the longest poem written by a single poet. A combination of myth and history told over a series of 50,000 elegant couplets, Ferdowsi dedicated thirty-three years of his life to writing the Shahnameh and intended it to protect the Persian collective memory and its language amid a turbulent sea of cultural storms. This celebrated work traces the storied history of the Iranian people, beginning with the origin myths of civilization and ending with the Arab Conquest of Iran in the seventh century. Featuring a preface by editor and Guggenheim fellow Hamid Rahmanian and an introduction by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, chair of ancient history at Cardiff University, this lush translation by Ahmad Sadri renders the tale in highly accessible yet atmospheric prose for contemporary audiences. Under Sadri’s deft hand, legendary adventures of superhuman heroes, encounters with magical creatures, and heart-wrenching love stories come alive off the page, capturing readers’ imaginations. To this day, people of all ages in Persianate societies can recite lines of Shahnameh by heart. The book continues to be read in family gatherings and performed by professional reciters in the teahouses of Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. The bedrock of Iranian nationhood and a literary masterpiece, this beloved epic holds the promise of cultural conservation—and celebration—within its every page.
Copyright:
2025

Book Details

Book Quality:
Publisher Quality
Book Size:
640 Pages
ISBN-13:
9781324093817
Related ISBNs:
9781324093800, 9781324093800
Publisher:
Liveright
Date of Addition:
Copyrighted By:
Hamid Rahmanian
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Has Image Descriptions:
No
Categories:
History, Literature and Fiction
Submitted By:
Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:
This is a copyrighted book.
Edited by:
Hamid Rahmanian
Edited by:
Melissa Hibbard
Introduction by:
Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
Translator:
Ahmad Sadri

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