The classic work on the subject, A Literary History of Persia is still the standard work in the English language on Persia and her literature. It spans four volumes (2,256 pages) and took about twenty-five years to write. Although it concentrates on Persian literature, it also surveys all aspects of Persian culture from Iranian pre-history to the twentieth century. The remarkable freshness and liveliness of Browne's prose will astonish readers. In addition to being a work of reference it is book which may be read strictly for pleasure. J T P De Bruijn's new introduction surveys the history, significance and continued value of the work.

The classic work on the subject, A Literary History of Persia is still the standard work in the English language on Persia and her literature. It spans four volumes (2,256 pages) and took about twenty-five years to write. Although it concentrates on Persian literature, it also surveys all aspects of Persian culture from Iranian pre-history to the twentieth century. The remarkable freshness and liveliness of Browne's prose will astonish readers. In addition to being a work of reference it is book which may be read strictly for pleasure. J T P De Bruijn's new introduction surveys the history, significance and continued value of the work.

Browne's famous work, first published in 1902, was the essential text on literary history in Persian studies for many years. As an overview of Persian literature from the earliest times until Firdawsi, it continues to be a valuable reference. Out of print for some time, it is now reissued as a library edition, in facsimile to capture the feel of the original edition.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Nearly a hundred years since its publication, E. G. Browne's A Literary History of Persia remains a classic work in English on the subject. Spanning four volumes, it took Browne over 25 years to write and whilst it concentrates on Persian literature, it surveys many aspects of Persian culture from pre-history to the twentieth century. Volume one covers the period from the earliest periods of Persian history until Firdawsi (AD 935-1020) a highly revered poet. Volume two looks at the early medieval period and in particular on the poet Saadi (1184-1283). Volume three focuses on the Tartar Dominion (1265-1502) and volume four 'Modern Times' covers from 1500 to 1924. A remarkable achievement upon first publication, Cambridge University Press is pleased to be able to bring its edition of this seminal work back into print.