Shahnameh of Ancient Iran Comes Alive in The Saga of The Shahanshas

Book Details:

• Author: Adi F. Merchant
• Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan
• Language: English
• Edition: 2017
• ISBN: 9788172765514
• Pages: 289 (Including 31 B/W and 6 Color Illustrations)
• Cover: Hardcover
• Dimensions: 25.5 cm x 18 cm
• Weight: 780 gm

About the Book:

This book is a retelling of Firdausi Toosi’s Shahnameh, the grand Iranian epic, designed to make the legendary tales accessible to modern readers, especially younger audiences.

• Epic Legacy:

  • Shahnameh, or "The Book of Kings," is a literary masterpiece ranking alongside world-renowned epics like the Iliad, Odyssey, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
  • Composed over 1,000 years ago, the Shahnameh chronicles the mythical and historical past of ancient Iran from the creation of the world to the fall of the Zoroastrian dynasty in the 7th century.

• Universal Themes:

  • The Shahnameh conveys Firdausi’s profound message of humanitarian values, urging readers to avoid vices such as cruelty, jealousy, and lying, while embracing virtues like compassion, justice, and kindness.
  • Firdausi’s narrative celebrates the political and cultural identity of Persia, making it a timeless literary treasure.

• Presentation:

  • This version, retold by Adi F. Merchant, is crafted in a vivid and engaging style that allows readers to feel the emotions of the characters and experience the events as if they were present.

• Audience:

  • While the book is tailored for young readers aged 8–12, its appeal extends to teenagers and adults who wish to delve into Persian culture and heritage in a concise, accessible format.

About the Author: Adi F. Merchant

• Background:

  • Born in London in 1938 to highly educated Parsi parents, Adi F. Merchant was raised in India, where he cultivated a passion for reading and writing from an early age.

• Career:

  • His love for writing led him into the field of advertising, where he honed his craft.

• Notable Works:

  • He authored "Haiku: An Ode to Nature", a celebrated collection of Japanese verse.
  • His retelling of the Shahnameh has been lauded for its lucidity and ability to capture the epic’s grandeur.

This book is a remarkable introduction to the rich heritage of Persian literature, offering timeless wisdom in an engaging and relatable manner.