Bücher von Hakim Abul-Ghassem Ferdowsi

THE SHAHNAMEH was completed in the year 1010 by the Persian poet Ferdowsi. A monumental undertaking encompassing ancient myths, legends, and history, it is one of Iran's most cherished works of literature. Volume V traces the succession of kings in the ill-fated Sassanian Dynasty, opening with the reign of Khosrow Parviz, and ending with King Yazdegerd. The poem closes with a rather brief account of the Arab invasion of Iran and the death of its last ruler. Ferdowsi's legacy leaves an indelible mark on Persian culture and literature. He speaks to us through his stories and through his everlasting poetic expression. And though the stories come from a specific part of the world and relate elements of a particular culture, they hold universal appeal and should be shared with anyone wishing to explore ancient myths, universal symbols, and archetypes.

THE SHAHNAMEH was completed in the year 1010 by the Persian poet Ferdowsi. A monumental undertaking encompassing ancient myths, legends, and history, it is one of Iran's most cherished works of literature. Volumes IV and V shift to a different tone from the three previous volumes. Gone are the kings and heroes of another age. Gone are Zaal and Rostam, Giv, Bijan, and Goodarz. Ferdowsi turns to a succession of kings from the Ashkanian (or Parthian) Dynasty (247 BCE to 224 CE) and Sassanian Dynasty (224-651 CE). We plunge into a semi-historical narrative less reliant on fact than on literary form and poetic license. Ferdowsi does not cease his discourse on virtue, justice, and wisdom. His lessons are clearly articulated in the insightful words of Bozorgmehr, the loyal and sage vizier, as he enlightens the court on the importance of truth, learning, and wisdom, themes that are dear to Ferdowsi's heart.

THE SHAHNAMEH was completed in the year 1010 by the Persian poet Ferdowsi. A monumental undertaking encompassing ancient myths, legends, and history, it is one of Iran's most cherished works of literature. Volume III opens with the battle of eleven Iranian heroes and their Tooranian counterparts during the reign of Kay Khosrow. Kay Khosrow completes his mission to kill Tooran's evil king, Afraasiyaab, and nominates a new King of Iran, Lohraasp. The attention shifts eastward toward the land of Rum. We witness the relationships between the Caesars and the rulers of Iran. We witness the fight between Esfandiar and Rostam. Soon after, Rostam, our hero and protagonist of the first three volumes, dies at the hands of his own brother, Shaghaad. This volume concludes with the reign of Eskandar, an adaptation of the life of Alexander the Great and his invasion and occupation of the Persian Empire. In his long poem, Ferdowsi spends a not insignificant amount of time with questions on human existence and destiny. He advises us to guard ourselves against greed and corruption, and to follow the path of truth, wisdom, and generosity.

THE SHAHNAMEH was completed in the year 1010 by the Persian poet Ferdowsi. A monumental undertaking encompassing ancient myths, legends, and history, it is one of Iran's most cherished works of literature. This is a chronicle of kings and heroes, of battles and deeds, written in verse that is compelling, lyrical, and evocative. Ferdowsi sought to capture an ancient civilization through its myths and legends. He created a framework that is steeped in the inherent universal wisdom of humanity, exploring its continuum from one generation to another, from one dynasty to another. Josiane Cohanim's translation in simple, modern, non-rhyming verse, makes the epic poem accessible to contemporary readers.