Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings | Firdawsī

About Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings by Firdawsī

Immerse yourself in one of the most towering achievements of world literature with Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings by Firdawsī (Ferdowsi). Presented in a masterfully revised and expanded Penguin Classics edition by Dick Davis—widely acclaimed as our preeminent translator from the Persian language—this volume stands as the most complete and authoritative English-language edition available today.

Plot Summary & Key Themes

Originally composed in the tenth century for the Samanid princes of Khorasan, the Shahnameh is the glorious national epic of Iran. This prodigious narrative captures the sprawling, multi-generational history of pre-Islamic Persia. The epic chronicles everything from the mythical creation of the world and the historical dawn of Persian civilization, through legendary battles and tragic romances, culminating in the monumental seventh-century Arab conquest.

Dick Davis's elegant translation seamlessly blends prose and verse, allowing the original poetic genius of Firdawsī to sing directly to modern audiences while utilizing sparse, clearly marked explanations to guide readers through the complex lore. These legendary stories remain deeply embedded in global culture, directly influencing classical masters like Rumi and Hafez, as well as modern literary works like The Kite Runner.

Book Details & Specifications

• Title: Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings
• Author: Firdawsī (Ferdowsi)
• Translator: Dick Davis
• ISBN-13: 9780143108320
• Format: Paperback (Penguin Classics Revised & Expanded Edition)
• Genre: World Literature / Epic Poetry / Middle Eastern History & Mythology
• Themes: Empire and Sovereignty, Heroism, Mythology, Cultural Identity

Why Read This Book?

• Newly Expanded Definitive Text: Features more than 100 pages of newly translated material added by Dick Davis to create the ultimate, comprehensive English edition.
• Gold Standard Publishing: Backed by the trusted Penguin Classics series, ensuring authoritative text formatting, scholarly introductions, and helpful cultural annotations.
• A Global Literary Masterpiece: An essential foundation for collectors and enthusiasts of epic mythology, world history, and classical literature seeking to understand Persian heritage.