Synopses & Reviews
Princetonandrsquo;s Great Persian Book of Kings presents the first comprehensive examination of a beautifully decorated yet relatively unknown manuscript of the
Shahnamaand#160;(Book of Kings), created in 1589andndash;90 in the flourishing cultural center of Shiraz. Held by Princeton University and called the Peckand#160;
Shahnama after its donor, the work ranks among the finest intact 16th-century Persian manuscripts in the United States.
and#160;
Composed more than one thousand years ago, the epic poemand#160;Shahnama narrates the story of Iran from the dawn of time to the 7th century A.D. Its 50,000 verses and countless tales of Iranandrsquo;s ancient kings and heroes have been a vital source of artistic inspiration in Persian culture for centuries. Author Marianna Shreve Simpson offers a detailed discussion of the Peckand#160;Shahnama, including its origins, history, and artistic characteristics. All of the manuscriptandrsquo;s intricately illuminated and illustrated folios are reproduced with stunning new photography, and each is accompanied by commentary on its narrative themes and artistic presentation. An essay by Louise Marlow explores the manuscriptandrsquo;s extensive marginal glosses, an unusual feature of the Peckand#160;Shahnama.
Synopsis
This lavishly illustrated book presents Princeton Universityandrsquo;s splendid 16th-century
Shahnama as well as detailed discussion of its 50 large-scale paintings.
About the Author
Marianna Shreve Simpsonand#160;is a Philadelphiaandndash;based independent scholar who has written extensively about Islamic book arts.and#160;
Louise Marlowand#160;is professor of religion and program director for Middle Eastern studies at Wellesley College.