In this Book
- Courtly Riddles: Enigmatic Embellishments in Early Persian Poetry
- Book
- 2010
- Published by: Leiden University Press
summary
This book is the first study of Persian literary riddles to appear in English, analysing a wide range of complex riddling poems systematically from the tenth to the twelfth century. In addition to the genre of riddles, the book examines the relationship between metaphors and riddles and the genre of literary description. Riddles belong to the oldest genre in many literary traditions. Riddles were composed at courts in the Iranian world for various purposes, such as highlighting the courtly insignia that refer to the ruler’s administrative and military power. The aesthetic of puzzlement was much appreciated at courts. Through a riddle, the poet aims to demonstrate his artistic accomplishment in a short space; and at the same time he secures his social, professional and personal position at the court and in cultured circles. Literary riddles occur in the early specimens of Persian literature from the tenth century and they continue to be used in modern Iranian society.
Table of Contents
Download Full Book
- Title Page, Copyright
- pp. 1-6
- Table of Contents
- pp. 7-8
- Acknowledgments
- p. 9
- PART ONE
- Chapter One: The Eloquent Mute
- pp. 11-19
- Chapter Two: Inimitable Simplicity
- pp. 20-69
- PART TWO
- Conclusion
- pp. 200-202
- References
- pp. 203-213
Additional Information
ISBN
9789400600102
Related ISBN(s)
9789087280871
MARC Record
OCLC
966766345
Pages
228
Launched on MUSE
2017-01-01
Language
English
Open Access
No