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)

9781108054317, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 13 December 2012

430 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.54 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 3 contains the Dînâ-î Maînôg-î Khirad ('Opinions of the Spirit of Wisdom' - a series of enquiries and answers relating to the worship of Ahura Mazda); the Sikand-gûmânîk Vigâr ('Doubt-dispelling Exposition' - a controversial ninth-century Zoroastrian apologetic, designed to prove the correctness of the fundamental doctrine of Mazda-worship); and the Sad Dar, a Persian rather than Pahlavi text, offering valuable discussion of 'a hundred subjects' connected to Zoroastrianism.

Part I. Introduction: 1. The Dînâ-î Maînôg-î Khirad
2. The Sikand-Gûmânîk Vigâr
3. The Sad Dar
4. Abbreviations used in this volume
Part II. Translations: 1. Dînâ-î Maînôg-î Khirad
2. Sikand-Gûmânîk Vigâr
3. Sad Dar
Index
Transliteration of oriental alphabets.

Subject Areas: Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1]