Tales of Persia


Book Description

Tales of Persia is a timely book of missionary tales that will teach readers about Islam and encourage a new generation of Christians to spread the gospel. As the stories unfold, we also learn what Islam is, how it differs from Christianity, and why people need to be saved from it. This book is especially useful for family devotions and Sunday school classes.




Pea Boy and Other Stories from Iran


Book Description

Iran has mountains striped with snow, dense forests where bears and lynxes still roam, deserts, bazaars...but above all it has stories - of fairies and demons, of a monstrous metal eagle called the okab, of romantic cockroaches and foolish weavers. During her travels, Elizabeth Laird has gathered a wealth of stories, and here she retells, in her own inimitable style, some of Iran's best, with delightfully offbeat illustrations from Shirin Adl. Praise for A Fistful of Pearls and Other Tales from Iraq: 'Its baddies are wolves and thieves; its stories are fabulous.' The Daily Telegraph




Captive in Iran


Book Description

Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh knew they were putting their lives on the line. Islamic laws in Iran forbade them from sharing their Christian beliefs, but in three years, they’d covertly put New Testaments into the hands of twenty thousand of their countrymen and started two secret house churches. In 2009, they were finally arrested and held in the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran, a place where inmates are routinely tortured and executions are commonplace. In the face of ruthless interrogations, persecution, and a death sentence, Maryam and Marziyeh chose to take the radical—and dangerous—step of sharing their faith inside the very walls of the government stronghold that was meant to silence them. In Captive in Iran, two courageous Iranian women recount how God used their 259 days in Evin Prison to shine His light into one of the world’s darkest places, giving hope to those who had lost everything and showing love to those in despair.




Encyclopedia Iranica


Book Description




Shahnameh


Book Description

The definitive translation by Dick Davis of the great national epic of Iran—now newly revised and expanded to be the most complete English-language edition A Penguin Classic Dick Davis—“our pre-eminent translator from the Persian” (The Washington Post)—has revised and expanded his acclaimed translation of Ferdowsi’s masterpiece, adding more than 100 pages of newly translated text. Davis’s elegant combination of prose and verse allows the poetry of the Shahnameh to sing its own tales directly, interspersed sparingly with clearly marked explanations to ease along modern readers. Originally composed for the Samanid princes of Khorasan in the tenth century, the Shahnameh is among the greatest works of world literature. This prodigious narrative tells the story of pre-Islamic Persia, from the mythical creation of the world and the dawn of Persian civilization through the seventh-century Arab conquest. The stories of the Shahnameh are deeply embedded in Persian culture and beyond, as attested by their appearance in such works as The Kite Runner and the love poems of Rumi and Hafez. For more than sixty-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,500 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.




Rostam


Book Description

The selected adventures of Persia's Hercules, from Iran's great national epic No understanding of world mythology is complete without acquaintance with Rostam, Iran's most celebrated mythological hero. According to the Shahnameh (the tenth-century Book of Kings), this titan, magnificent in strength and courage, bestrode Persia for 500 years. While he often served fickle kings - undergoing many trials of combat, cunning, and endurance - he was never their servant and owed allegiance only to his nation's greater good. Anyone interested in folklore, world literature, or Iranian culture will find Rostam both a rousing and illuminating read. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout world history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.




Grand's Fairy Tales


Book Description

Imagination is often taken for granted, yet we all have one. It is a thrilling vivid basis for yarn spinners laying hold to a bold, descriptive life we can picture. Grand's Fairy Tales takes you to that secret place where stories live and you feel at home!Brimming with colorful, well-described characters, Grand's Fairy Tales journeys through a mythical land of talking owls, dogs, dragons, frogs, a crafty gator, an ungrateful giant, powerful spirits, a king looking for happiness, and mystical beings with plot twists aplenty. Each page is fantasy fun for young and older readers alike and will overlap your world.




The Folktales and Storytellers of Tribal Iran


Book Description

What are the myths and stories that penetrate a society's everyday practices? What are the un-questioned 'truths' that hold the keys to understanding both the concept of self-perception and group identity? Here, Erika Friedl highlights the role of the fairy tale and folklore in the creation, transmission and manipulation of regional and national identities. Having carried out anthropological research in Iran since 1965, Friedl is uniquely placed to analyze the ways in which the folklore and fairy tales – both the stories themselves and the telling of the stories – have an impact on the idea of what it means to be 'Iranian'. The Folktales and Storytellers of Iran explores the key ideas of cultural identity, self-knowledge and understanding, and how these are represented and developed through a rich literary tradition of folklore and storytelling in what was for a long time an oral-based culture.




The Last Shah


Book Description

The surprising story of Iran's transformation from America's ally in the Middle East into one of its staunchest adversaries "An original interpretation that puts Iranian actors where they belong: at center stage."--Michael Doran, Wall Street Journal "For the clearest view of Iran for the last 100 years, this book is it."--Marvin Zonis, author of Majestic Failure: The Fall of the Shah Offering a new view of one of America's most important, infamously strained, and widely misunderstood relationships of the postwar era, this book tells the history of America and Iran from the time the last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was placed on the throne in 1941 to the 1979 revolution that brought the present Islamist government to power. This revolution was not, as many believe, the popular overthrow of a powerful and ruthless puppet of the United States; rather, it followed decades of corrosion of Iran's political establishment by an autocratic ruler who demanded fealty but lacked the personal strength to make hard decisions and, ultimately, lost the support of every sector of Iranian society. Esteemed Middle East scholar Ray Takeyh provides new interpretations of many key events--including the 1953 coup against Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq and the rise of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini--significantly revising our understanding of America and Iran's complex and difficult history.




Folk Tales from Iran


Book Description

Unveil the Mystical and Timeless Tales of Ancient Persia Step into a realm where legendary heroes clash in epic battles, where the longest night of the year unveils ancient secrets, and where the wisdom of a serpent queen can alter the fate of an entire kingdom. Folk Tales from Iran: Timeless Iranian Stories of Wisdom, Magic, Tragic Heroes, and Legendary Folk Tales of Persia invites you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Persian culture, with stories that have been cherished for generations. In this captivating first volume, discover the profound and enchanting tales that have shaped the cultural landscape of Iran. From the tragic conflict between Rostam and Sohrab, a father and son bound by destiny, to the mystical Tale of Yalda Night, where light and darkness dance in the shadows of the longest night, each story in this collection offers a unique glimpse into the values, beliefs, and imagination of the Persian people. A Treasure Trove of Timeless Wisdom These stories are more than just entertainment—they are the distilled essence of human experience, brimming with profound knowledge and timeless teachings. Folk Tales from Iran is a pleasure to read, filled with universal themes of bravery, cleverness, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Perfect for readers of all ages, these tales serve as a bridge to understanding the rich cultural heritage of Iran, offering valuable lessons that resonate across generations. Folk tales are the foundation of human storytelling. Understanding a culture is best done through the stories it tells, and in this volume, you will find a rich tapestry of Persian tradition, ready to be passed down and cherished. Our mission is to preserve this invaluable cultural inheritance, ensuring that these stories continue to inspire and teach for generations to come. A Must-Have for Any Library or Bookshelf We envision this collection as a treasure that any library or bookshelf can hold and pass on to future generations—so they too can be inspired by the timeless wisdom of our ancestors' stories. Whether you are a lover of mythology, a seeker of ancient wisdom, or a parent wanting to introduce your children to the wonders of Persian folklore, this book is an essential addition to your collection. Key Features: Epic Persian Legends: Immerse yourself in the rich folklore of Iran, with stories that capture the essence of the country’s cultural and mythological heritage. Perfect for All Ages: With stories that are as entertaining as they are educational, this collection is suitable for readers young and old, offering something for everyone. Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Iranian culture and values through interpretations and analyses of the folk tales that have shaped the nation’s identity. Beautifully Crafted: Designed to be a timeless keepsake, this book is a treasure that will enhance any personal library or bookshelf. Folk Tales from Iran is more than just a book; it’s a journey into the heart of a culture, a celebration of the art of storytelling, and a preservation of a priceless cultural heritage. Add this volume to your collection today and become a part of the timeless tradition of folk tales that continue to inspire and teach us about the world and ourselves.