THE SHAHNAMEH

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THE SHAHNAMEH

THE PERSIAN EPIC AS WORLD LITERATURE

HAMID DABASHI

Columbia University Press

New York

Columbia University PressPublishers Since 1893

New York Chichester, West Sussexcup .columbia .edu

Copyright © 2019 Columbia University PressAll rights reserved

Library of Congress Cataloging- in- Publication DataNames: Dabashi, Hamid, 1951– author.

Title: The Shahnameh : the Persian epic in world literature / Hamid Dabashi.Description: New York : Columbia University Press, 2019. | Includes bibliographical

references and index.Identifiers: LCCN 2018019466 (print) | LCCN 2018020311 (ebook) | ISBN 9780231544948

(electronic) | ISBN 9780231183444 (cloth : alk. paper)Subjects: LCSH: Firdawsī. Shāhnāmah.

Classification: LCC PK6459 (ebook) | LCC PK6459 .D33 2018 (print) | DDC 891.55/11— dc23LC record available at https: //lccn .loc .gov /2018019466

Columbia University Press books are printed on permanent and durable acid- free paper.

Printed in the United States of America

Chapter opening art: Folios from an illuminated manuscript. Made in Iran, Tabriz. The Shahnameh (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp. Author Abu’l Qasim Firdausi

(935– 1020). Paintings attributed to Qadimi (ca. 1525– 65).Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970.

Preface: The Shah’s Wise Men Approve of Zal’s Marriage, Folio 86v, ca 1525– 30Introduction: The Angel Surush Rescues Khusrau Parviz from a Cul- de- sac,

Folio 708v, ca 1530– 35Chapter 1: Zal Expounds the Mysteries of the Magi, Folio 87v, ca 1525

Chapter 2: Tahmuras Defeats the Divs, Folio 23v, ca 1525Chapter 3: Siyavush Recounts His Nightmare to Farangis, Folio 195r, ca 1525– 30

Chapter 4: Bahram Recovers the Crown of Rivniz, Folio 245rChapter 5: Nushirvan Greets the Khaqan’s Daughter, Folio 633v, cz 1530– 35

Conclusion: Afrasiyab on the Iranian Throne, Folio 105r, ca 1525– 30

Cover image: Rustam and Isfandiyar Begin Their Combat, Folio 461v, ca 1525

For Sultan Mahmoud Omidsalar

The generous patron of this book on the Shahnameh

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