The Persian Prison Poem
The Persian Prison Poem
YOU SAVE £22.72
- Condition: Brand new
- UK Delivery times: Usually arrives within 2 - 3 working days
- UK Shipping: Fee starts at £2.39. Subject to product weight & dimension
- More about The Persian Prison Poem
This book explores the worldly nature of premodern Persian poetry and its political role in shaping the prison poem genre (habsiyyat) across 12th-century Central, South, and West Asia, providing an unprecedented account of prison poetry before modernity.
Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
This captivating book delves into the profound worldliness of premodern Persian poetry, unveiling a rich tapestry of insights and sophistication. Through a series of meticulously crafted readings, it unveils the intricate connections between poetry and politics, tracing the profound influence of poetry on the development of the prison poem genre (habsiyyat) across 12th-century Central, South, and West Asia. This groundbreaking work offers an unparalleled account of prison poetry before the advent of modernity, shedding light on the social, cultural, and political dynamics that shaped this unique literary form.
The book begins by exploring the historical context in which the prison poem genre emerged. During the 12th century, Central, South, and West Asia experienced a period of political instability, social unrest, and cultural transformation. The ruling elites sought to suppress dissent and maintain control over their subjects, and poetry became a powerful tool for expressing and challenging the dominant narratives. The prison poem genre, in particular, flourished as a means of subverting the authority of the state and expressing the grievances of the oppressed.
The book then delves into the literary characteristics of the prison poem genre. Prison poems were typically written by individuals who had been unjustly imprisoned or exiled for their political beliefs or social activism. They were often composed in a concise and powerful style, using vivid imagery and metaphor to convey their messages. The poems often addressed themes of resistance, resilience, and the pursuit of justice, reflecting the struggles of the imprisoned poet and their communities.
One of the most striking features of prison poetry is its ability to transcend the boundaries of language and culture. The poems were often written in Persian, the language of the ruling elites, but they were also translated and interpreted by poets and scholars across different regions and languages. This translation and interpretation process allowed the poems to resonate with a broader audience, spreading their message beyond the confines of the prison walls.
The book also explores the political role of poetry in shaping the prison poem genre. The ruling elites used poetry as a tool to control and manipulate public opinion, presenting a sanitized version of their rule and suppressing any dissenting voices. However, the prison poem genre challenged these narratives, exposing the brutality and injustice of the ruling elites and advocating for social change.
Through its comprehensive analysis, this book offers a fresh perspective on the worldliness of premodern Persian poetry. It demonstrates the profound influence of poetry on the social, cultural, and political landscape of 12th-century Central, South, and West Asia, and sheds light on the enduring power of literature to challenge and transform the world. Whether you are a scholar of Persian literature, a student of history, or simply a lover of poetry, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of premodern culture.
Weight: 618g
Dimension: 164 x 244 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474484015
This item can be found in:
UK and International shipping information
UK and International shipping information
UK Delivery and returns information:
- Delivery within 2 - 3 days when ordering in the UK.
- Shipping fee for UK customers from £2.39. Fully tracked shipping service available.
- Returns policy: Return within 30 days of receipt for full refund.
International deliveries:
Shulph Ink now ships to Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, India, Luxembourg Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.
- Delivery times: within 5 - 10 days for international orders.
- Shipping fee: charges vary for overseas orders. Only tracked services are available for most international orders. Some countries have untracked shipping options.
- Customs charges: If ordering to addresses outside the United Kingdom, you may or may not incur additional customs and duties fees during local delivery.