Ferdowsi — Шахнаме (Shahnameh), Volume II

Rare Soviet Russian Translation of the Persian Epic

Title: Шахнаме — Том II (Shahnameh / Book of Kings — Volume II)
Author: Ferdowsi
Translators: Vladimir Derzhavin, Semyon Lipkin
Language: Russian (translated from Persian/Farsi)
Subject: Epic poetry / Persian literature
Format: Hardcover
Illustrated: Yes — monochrome graphic illustrations
Era: Soviet edition, 1960s
Condition: Vintage collectible condition with signs of age and handling consistent with Soviet-era publications. Binding intact and pages fully readable. Please review photos carefully.

Description

Rare Soviet Russian-language edition of Volume II of Shahnameh (Book of Kings) by Ferdowsi — the monumental epic masterpiece of Persian literature.

This edition is especially valued for the celebrated poetic translation by Semyon Lipkin and Vladimir Derzhavin, whose work is widely admired for preserving the rhythm, grandeur, and emotional depth of Ferdowsi’s original verse.

Published during the golden era of Soviet literary translation, the volume combines high-quality scholarship with elegant book design and remains one of the most respected Russian editions of Persian classical literature.

Contents

This volume includes major legendary and historical cycles from the Shahnameh, including:

• Seven Labors of Isfandiyar
• Rustam and Isfandiyar
• Bahman
• Iskandar (Alexander)
• Ardashir Babakan
• Bahram Gur
• Mazdak
• The Arab Invasion

These narratives blend mythology, heroism, philosophy, dynastic history, and epic warfare within the grand historical vision of ancient Persia.

Scholarly Features

The volume concludes with:

• Extensive scholarly notes
• Historical commentary
• Explanatory glossary
• Reference materials for readers and researchers

Making it valuable not only as literature, but also as a resource for the study of:

• Persian history
• Iranian mythology
• Medieval epic traditions
• Soviet translation studies

About the Edition

This Soviet edition is highly collectible for:

• Collectors of Persian and Oriental literature
• Enthusiasts of epic poetry
• Scholars of Iranian studies
• Collectors of Soviet literary translations
• Vintage world literature collectors

The illustrations and classic Soviet typography further enhance the historical and artistic value of the book.

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