"Comparative Literature and Classical Persian Poetics" applies comparative literary approaches to classical Persian traditions of composing and performing poetry and song. Olga M. Davidson focuses on epic, especially the classical epic "Shahnama, " composed in the early eleventh century ce by the poet Ferdowsi, and on the relationship of this epic to other genres that are found embedded in it. Included among these other genres are forms of verbal art that were originally composed without the aid of writing, such as women s laments. Davidson explores the many ways in which the epic "Shahnama"...

"Poet and Hero in the Persian Book of Kings" presents a far-reaching reassessment of the classical Persian epic known as the "Shahnama" or Book of Kings, composed by the poet Ferdowsi in the early eleventh century "ce." Combining comparative perspectives with a close reading of the internal evidence provided by the text of this epic, Olga M. Davidson argues that the poet of the "Shahnama" is actually a character in the epic, coexisting with ancient Iranian heroes and kings whose deeds are celebrated by the poetry. The poet can have the role of a character because his poetry comes to life in...