Salman and Absal:

£2,000 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

first english translation The first English translation of this poem by Jami and the first translation from Persian by Edward Fitzgerald, predating his more well known Rubàiyàt of Omar Khayyàm. Salámán and Absál was composed in the late fifteenth century as part of Jami's larger work Haft Awrang. Based on an allegorical tale it tells of the love of the Greek prince Salaman for his nurse Absal. Although it must be noted that this is a much condensed edition by Fitzgerald and most likely presented as such because it is a translation from the 1850 Persian printed edition of the text edited by Forbes Falconer (1805-1853). The Falconer edition was compiled from eight manuscripts in British public and private libraries and these texts were compared and condensed to create his definitive edition for print in 1850. The frontispiece showing a game of polo is a reproduction of plate XXII from the first volume of Gore Ouseley's Travels: which itself is a reproduction line engraving of a miniature contained in a copy of the Divan of Hafiz, formerly in the private collection of Ouseley and now in the Bodleian library. First Edition, 8vo, pp.xvi, 84, frontispiece, some scattered foxing, ink inscription and blind stamp to front free endpaper,original publisher's blue ripple-grain cloth, ruled in blind with gilt lettering, spine a little darkened, a little rubbed. 212 x 155mm (8¼ x 6 inches).

• Binding: Hardcover

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