The Life of Mashtots' by his Disciple Koriwn: Translated from the Classical Armenian with Introduction and Commentary

The Life of Mashtots is a three-year-old book written by Koriwn, an early disciple of Mashtots, that recounts his efforts to find letters, establish schools, and promote literary activity, resulting in the translation of religious texts. It is a praise for the inventor of the Armenian alphabet and the progenitor of Armenian literacy. This edition includes a facing English translation and commentary.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Life of Mashtots is a remarkable tribute to the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, the sole creator of an ancient alphabet known by name, and the progenitor of Armenian literacy, which began with the translation of the Bible. Authored by an early disciple named Koriwn three years after his passing, this captivating narrative recounts the master's tireless efforts in seeking letters, establishing schools, and fostering a thriving literary movement that resulted in countless translations of religious texts cherished in the Early Church of the East. As a celebratory work from Late Antiquity, The Life of Mashtots showcases all the literary characteristics of the genre to which it belongs, meticulously analyzed by Abraham Terian, who provides insightful commentary on nearly every phrase of the document. Presented in the latest Armenian edition of the text (2003), this edition of The Life of Mashtots includes a facing English translation and commentary, making it accessible to a broader audience. The extraordinary narrative brings to life historical figures such as the Patriarch of the Armenian Church, Catholicos Sahak (d. 439), the Arsacid King of Armenia, Vramshapuh (r. 401-417), and the Roman Emperor of the East, Theodosius II (r. 408-450). Koriwn, an exceptional rhetorical writer, stands as one of the pioneering four authors known to have employed the newly invented script. The profound influence of The Life of Mashtots can be discerned in subsequent Armenian writings of the fifth century, often referred to as the "Golden Era."

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 224 x 140 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192847416