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Persian Literature


Full title: Persian Literature Comprising the Shah Nameh, The Rubaiyat, The Divan and The Gulistan
Various authors; with introduction by Richard J.H. Gottheil, PhD

As the title says, this anthology features four of the best of Persian literature. Each section has introductory notes that provide the background of each author and the piece, the social climate in which the work was created, and its reception. The following are included in the two volumes of the e-book version*:

Volume 1:
The Shah Nameh (Book of Kings) by Firdusi (Abul Kasim Mansur), translated by James Atkinson
The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, translated by Edward Fitzgerald
The Divan by Hafiz (Khwajeh Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi), translated by H. Bicknell

Volume 2:
The Gulistan (Flower-Garden) by Sa'di (Muslih-al-Din), translated by James Ross

The book may seem like a challenging read at first glance but the translators did a good job and the introduction in each section will help give the reader some ideas on how best to appreciate these classics. Shah Nameh is a historical fiction account of the Persian kings; Rubaiyat and Divan are poems; and Gulistan is a collection of poems and stories.

My favorite would have to be Shah Nameh because it is the best version I have read so far. The other translations of Shah Nameh are watered down versions of the sequence of wars and succession of kings without the drama which makes it more interesting to read.

I recommend this to classic and history enthusiasts. Take note however that some of the original names, phrases, and words were retained but not translated or explained, so make sure you keep a reference handy. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

*Note: E-book is available at manybooks.net
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