The Haft Paykar: A Medieval Persian Romance

Xəmsə #4

by Nizami Ganjavi, Julie Scott Meisami (Translator)

The romance of the Haft Paykar ("Seven Beauties") is one of the great works of Persian literature. Completed in 1197 by the poet Nizami of Ganja, it is an allegorical romance of great beauty and depth, and its central theme of self-knowledge as the path to human perfection is conveyed in rich and vivid imagery and complex symbolism. The Haft Paykar tells the story of the Sassanian ruler Prince Bahram V Gur and his progress towards wisdom, and is enlivened by many adventures and by the seven tales--love stories--told to the prince by his brides. This new English verse translation captures the beauty and sophistication of the original, and makes this masterpiece of twelfth-century Persia accessible to a wide audience.

Genres: Poetry, Iran, Classics, Literature, Fiction, 12th Century, Asia

362 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1197

About the author

Nizami Ganjavi, also spelled Nezāmi, (Persian: نظامی گنجوی) is considered the greatest romantic epic poet in Persian literature, who brought a colloquial and realistic style to the Persian epic. His heritage is widely appreciated and shared by Azerbaijan, Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.