Shahnameh: The Persian Epic as World Literature

The Shahnameh is an epic poem by Abu al-Qasem Ferdowsi that recounts the foundation of Iran across mythical, heroic, and historical ages. It has entertained generations of readers and profoundly shaped Persian culture, society, and politics. In this book, Hamid Dabashi brings the Shahnameh to renewed global attention, tracing its history, authorship, poetic significance, political uses, and enduring significance in colonial and postcolonial contexts. He argues that Ferdowsi's epic and its reception broached the concept of world literature long before nineteenth-century Western literary criticism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 08 January 2019
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The Shahnameh, an epic poem that spans mythical, heroic, and historical ages, holds a revered place in Persian literature and culture. Composed by Abu al-Qasem Ferdowsi over a span of thirty years and completed in 1010, this masterpiece has captivated generations of readers and left an indelible mark on Persian society, politics, and art. For a millennium, Iranian and Persian-speaking individuals across the globe have immersed themselves in the poem, reading, memorizing, discussing, performing, adapting, and cherishing it.

In his remarkable book, Hamid Dabashi elevates the Shahnameh to the forefront of global attention, offering a comprehensive and engaging exploration of this Persian epic for a new generation of readers. Dabashi skillfully traces the history, authorship, poetic significance, complex legacy of political uses and abuses, and enduring relevance in colonial and postcolonial contexts. Beyond elucidating and celebrating the unique qualities that make the Shahnameh a distinguished literary work, he also contextualizes the poem within the broader realm of other epics, such as the Aeneid and the Odyssey, and engages in critical debates about the concept of world literature.

What sets Dabashi's approach apart is his argument that Ferdowsi's epic and its reception predate the nineteenth-century Western literary criticism that gave rise to this notion. By re-examining the Shahnameh through the lens of world literature, Dabashi makes a compelling case that we must redefine our understanding of this concept in light of his interpretation of the Persian epic. Through his meticulous scholarship and insightful analysis, Dabashi offers a fresh perspective on the Shahnameh, shedding light on its historical, cultural, and literary significance and its enduring impact on the world.

In conclusion, The Shahnameh: A New Translation and Interpretation by Hamid Dabashi is a indispensable resource for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Persian literature and culture. Through his meticulous scholarship, engaging writing, and innovative approach, Dabashi provides a fresh perspective on this timeless masterpiece, inviting readers to appreciate its enduring relevance and significance in the world of literature.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231183444