Persian Poems: An Anthology of Verse Translations By A J Arberry

This book is an excellent introduction to classical Persian poetry for English-speaking readers. As stated in its preface, “This little book … is a landmark in the interpretation of Persian literature, containing as it does the first English verse translation of a Persian poem.” Many of these translations were completed in the late 19th century by noted scholars of both languages; for that reason alone, it is a valuable piece of history and a valuable memento of the sense of wonder and adventure with which Western scholars once approached the East. The poets featured here include Rumi, Sa’di, Hafez, Rudaki, Khosrow, Ferdowsi, Nizami, Shahriyar, and others. Also features Persian miniature illustrations.