March 13, 2013
The Epic of the Persian Kings: the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi
Iranian expert and sociology professor Ahmad Sadri published his translation of the heroic tales of ancient Persia this spring. He will be hosting a book reading and discussion about The Shahnameh on Friday, April 19 at 4 p.m.
“The aim of this project is to infuse the popular imagination of the English-speaking world with the legends of Shahnameh, its epic battles, three sweeping love stories and four, increasingly human centered tragedies,” said Professor Sadri, who holds the James P. Gorter chair of Islamic World Studies at the College.
Shahnameh is the longest poem written by a single person in the history of humanity.
“This 83,000-word abridged translation will be printed against 550 new panels of gorgeous and innovative illustrations by New York-based graphic designer Hamid Rahmanian,” explained Sadri. “And it will be published by W.W.Norton exactly one thousand and three years after its completion in March, 1010,” he added.
Sadri will be joined by Hamid Rahmanian for a presentation of The Epic of Persian Kings. They will give a book reading and discussion, followed by a reception in Donnelly and Lee Library 221 on April 19. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
This event is free and open to the public. Parking is available on Middle Campus, 555 N. Sheridan Road.
News Contact
Ahmad SadriIslamic World Studies Program
sadri@lakeforest.edu
847-735-5251