Oral literature of Iranian languages. Companion volume II to A history of Persian literature /

This is the second "companion volume" of the 18-volume "A History of Persian Literature," of which volumes 1 and 17--respectively, General Introduction to Persian Literature, ed. by J. T. P. de Bruijn, and The Literature of Pre-Islamic Iran, ed. by Ronald Emmerick and Maria Macuch (both, CH, Aug'09, 46-6632a/6632b)--have appeared. When complete this ambitious set will provide a detailed, comprehensive study of Persian literature from the earliest times until the present. In addition to oral literature, the present volume describes and, to a degree, analyzes popular written literature. Kreyenbroek (Georg-August Univ., Germany) and Marzolph (emer., Columbia Univ.) devote major space to Kurdish literature and include a chapter on Kurdistan's Yezidi and Ahl-E Haqq traditions. In covering Persian popular literature, the book treats naqqali (professional oral storytelling) and the influence of Kashefi's Rowzat al-Shohada' on popular religious culture and literature. The editors make clear the difficulties of recording and analyzing oral literature and the importance of energetic but careful fieldwork as the various traditions of oral narrative disappear under the pressures of modernity. Each chapter has its own bibliography, and all of them are grouped at the end of the book. A general index will appear as volume 16. An indispensible resource for Middle East collections. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels. W. L. Hanaway emeritus, University of Pennsylvania