The book is regarded as a significant literary work, valuable for scholars and future generations. It has been reproduced in its original print format, preserving its authentic nature, including any marks or annotations from its initial publication. This approach ensures that the book's historical context and true essence remain intact, allowing readers to appreciate its importance in literature.
The book is a facsimile reprint of an original antiquarian work, reflecting its historical significance. Although it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, and flawed pages due to its age, it serves as a culturally important piece. The publisher is dedicated to protecting and promoting literature by offering this modern edition that remains true to the original.
Dick Davis, "our pre-eminent translator from the Persian" (Washington Post) has revised and expanded his highly-praised translation of Ferdowsi's masterpiece, including more than 100 pages of newly translated text. Davis's elegant combination of prose and verse allows the poetry of the Shanameh to sing its own tales directly, interspersed sparingly with clearly-marked explanations to ease along modern readers. Among the greatest works of world literature, this prodigious narrative, composed by the poet Ferdowsi in the late tenth century, tells the story of pre-Islamic Iran, beginning in the mythic time of creation and continuing forward to the Arab invasion in the seventh century.
The great national epic of Persia—the most complete English-language edition and definitive translation by Dick Davis, available in a deluxe edition by Penguin Classics .Wherever Persian influence has spread, the stories of the Shahnameh become deeply embedded in the culture, as amply attested by their appearance in such works as The Kite Runner and the love poems of Rumi and Hafez. Among the greatest works of world literature, this prodigious narrative, composed by the poet Ferdowsi in the late tenth century, tells the story of pre-Islamic Iran, beginning in the mythic time of creation and continuing forward to the Arab invasion in the seventh century. The sweep and psychological depth of the Shahnameh is nothing less than magnificent as it recounts classic tales like the tragedy of Rostam and Sohrab.Now Dick Davis, “our pre-eminent translator from the Persian” ( Washington Post ), presents a comprehensive translation of Ferdowsi’s masterpiece in an elegant combination of prose and verse, allowing the poetry of the Shanameh to sing its own tales directly, interspersed sparingly with clearly-marked explanations to ease along modern readers.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Rostam is Iran's greatest mythological hero, a Persian Hercules, magnificent in strength and courage. This book begins with the birth of Rostam's father and ends with Rostam's death. The tales tell of the love between Zal and Rostam's mother, the Kaboli princess Rudabeh; of Rostam's miraculous birth, aided by the magical bird Simorgh; and more.
This antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of an original work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and flawed pages. It reflects a commitment to cultural preservation and accessibility, offering modern readers a chance to engage with important literature in a high-quality format that remains true to the original.
The narrative explores the tragic relationship between Esfandiyar, the heir to the throne, and Rostam, Iran's greatest hero. After a victorious campaign, Esfandiyar expects his father, Goshtasp, to abdicate in his favor but is instead tasked with capturing Rostam. This command reveals a deep conflict, as Esfandiyar recognizes it as a dangerous ploy, yet feels compelled to obey. The story critiques the exploitation of heroism for selfish royal ambitions, highlighting a modern skepticism about traditional values in Ferdowsi's epic.
