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This is a facsimile of a classic history first published by Macmillan in 1915 and issued in two further editions by Routledge and Kegan Paul. Sir Percy Sykes was an explorer, consul, soldier and a spy who lived and travelled in Persia over a period of twenty-five years. This two-volume collection provides a comprehensive history of Persia from Alexander the Great, through British, French and Russian colonialism, to the early twentieth century oil industry. With a new introduction by Sykes' biographer, Antony Wynn, this comprehensive history provides essential background reading to students and academics of Persia.

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.

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.

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.

"Here there be dragons"--this notation was often made on ancient maps to indicate the edges of the known world and what lay beyond. Heroes who ventured there were only as great as the beasts they encountered. This encyclopedia contains more than 2,200 monsters of myth and folklore, who both made life difficult for humans and fought by their side. Entries describe the appearance, behavior, and cultural origin of mythic creatures well-known and obscure, collected from traditions around the world.