Pahlavi Texts

Still referenced in Indo-Iranian studies, this five-volume translation of the Pahlavi texts of Zoroastrianism was published between 1880 and 1897.

Edward William West (Edited and translated by)

9781108054300, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 December 2012

522 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.9 cm, 0.66 kg

Published between 1880 and 1897 as part of Max Müller's Sacred Books of the East series, this five-volume translation of Pahlavi texts was the work of Edward William West (1824–1905). Largely self-taught, West developed his knowledge of ancient oriental languages in India, where he worked as a civil engineer. After returning to Europe, West focused on the study of sacred Zoroastrian texts and prepared these translations of Pahlavi manuscripts. His writings and editions are still referenced today in Indo-Iranian studies. Volume 2 contains the ninth-century Dâdistân-î Dînîk and Epistles of Mânûskîhar. The former are religious judgments or decisions given by Mânûskîhar, a high priest of Iran, in answer to ninety-two queries put to him by fellow Zoroastrians. Along with the Epistles, relating to complaints made to Mânûskîhar about his brother Zâd-sparam, these texts give the reader an insight into the Zoroastrianism of the period, its tenets, and its relationship with the developing Islamic faith.

Part I. Introduction: 1. General remarks
2. The Dâdistân-î Dînîk
3. The epistles of Mânûskîhar
4. The appendix
Abbreviations used in this volume
Part II. Translations: 1. Dâdistân-î Dînîk
2. Epistles of Mânûskîhar
Appendix
Index
Corrections
Transliteration of oriental alphabets.

Subject Areas: Linguistics [CF]