Treasures of Herat: Two Manuscripts of the Khamsah of Nizami in the British Library

A comprehensive illustrated reference book on two celebrated Persian manuscripts in the British Library, exploring the Khamsah (Quintet) by Nizami and its paintings, with ownership history and translations by Ursula Sims-Williams.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Gingko Library

An in-depth exploration of two renowned Persian manuscripts, housed in the British Library, is presented in Barbara Brend's captivating illustrated reference book. These two copies of the Khamsah (Quintet), a collection of five narrative poems by the twelfth-century poet Nizami, a master of allegorical poetry in Persian literature, were created in Herat during the fifteenth century, a period of remarkable artistic flourishing in Persian culture. Despite their well-known status, these manuscripts have never been examined in conjunction with each other until now. Brend intricately weaves together the story of each poem and the corresponding painting, offering a formal analysis of the images within their historical and artistic contexts. The captivating illustrations from both manuscripts are reproduced in vibrant color, and an additional feature includes the ownership history of one of the manuscripts, documented through seal impressions and inscriptions. Ursula Sims-Williams provides a meticulous translation and commentary on these significant marks of ownership, shedding light on the Mughal rulers, including Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, among many others, who were associated with these precious manuscripts. This comprehensive work serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars of Persian art, poetry, and literature, providing a deep understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Persia.

Weight: 1754g
Dimension: 251 x 297 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909942547