Persian Literature, Ancient and Modern

"Persian Literature, Ancient and Modern" by Elizabeth A. Reed is a wide-ranging historical record of Persian writing composed in the late 1800s. The book examines the roots, growth, and important moments of Persian writing from olden times to recent days, covering both poems and stories. Reed arranges the book by time periods, calling attention to key eras, important writings, and famous people in Persian writing. The beginning of the book has a serious, academic feel, discussing the historical beginnings of Persian writing. Reed tells of how Persian writing grew from the effects of old societies, like those of Babylon and Assyria, and describes how conquering other lands and taking in their culture made Persian writing richer. She presents the beginnings of early Persian writings, discusses the importance of the Zend-Avesta, and points out the role of mythologies and long, adventurous stories, showing how these things continue to influence today's Persian writing.