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This sumptuous volume is an Iranist’s dream come true. The individual chapters - written by the foremost specialists in their fields - are of the highest quality while the accompanying illustrations are both judiciously chosen and appealing. The book itself takes one’s breath away for its sheer breadth and for the quantity of items shown. Here are gathered, for both laypeople and specialists, illustrations that one would otherwise have to chase down in innumerable publications or find only in libraries and museums. The Everlasting Flame will become an indispensible resource for teachers and students and a source of vital information for anybody at all interested in the history of Zoroastrianism and in practising Zoroastrians, particularly the modern-day Parsis of India.’
— Prods Oktor Skjærvø, Aga Khan Professor of Iranian, Harvard University
‘If at all, Zoroastrianism has been celebrated for the remarkable impact of some of its main religious notions, such as dualism and monotheism, the bodily resurrection of the dead and narratives of a future saviour. Words such as ‘paradise’ and ‘magic’ also seem to derive from Persia. In addition to valuable introductory essays on Zoroastrian history, The Everlasting Flame replenishes the historical account with rich material and visual dimensions that all too often have been neglected in the overall perception of this religion. This unique catalogue offers many new insights and a broad range of perspectives. It will prove to be an indispensible resource for everybody interested in Zoroastrianism, Iranian history and related areas.’
— Michael Stausberg, Professor of Religion, University of Bergen, author of Die Religions Zarathushtras and of Zarathustra and Zoroastrianism
Description: With such ancient beginnings, Zoroastrianism is as remarkably enduring as it is venerable. The principle religion of Iran until the advent of Islam, it has also been influential beyond its own followers, interacting with other, younger faiths and shaping their views on the nature of evil, the coming of a future saviour and the last days. The resonant message of Zarathustra (or Zoroaster), the founder of the religion, is encapsulated in its most sacred scripture, the Gathas, whose poetic power can still be appreciated today.
This richly illustrated book explores many important themes of Zoroastrianism: its rise during the second millennium BCE, its doctrines, rituals and teachings, its growth into the foremost faith of the Achaemenid and Parthian empires, its consolidation under the Sasanians, its expansion east to China, and its impact on Judaism, Christianity and Islam. From Iran to the west coast of India, the story continues with the maritime exodus of the Zoroastrians and their settlement as an immigrant community (now called ‘Parsis’) under British colonial rule. With chapters by world-leading authorities, this is a vital record of the art, literature and culture of one of the world’s most fascinating religious traditions.
Contents: Foreword by HRH the Prince of Wales • Acknowledgements • Contributors to the catalogue • Foreword by Professor Paul Webley • Introduction • Map of the ancient world
Essays
Words without context: the Gathas between two worlds – Almut Hintze • Zoroastrianism as an imperial religion – Philip G. Kreyenbroek • Zoroastrian funerary practices – Frantz Grenet • Jewish and Christian relations with Zoroastrianism – Anke Joisten-Pruschke • Life and afterlife – Sarah Stewart • The Zoroastrians of Iran – Albert de Jong • Looking back to see the present – Alan Williams • The lure of China and the art of Parsi portraiture – Firoza Punthakey Mistree with Pheroza Godrej
The Catalogue
The ancient world • Sacred texts • The Silk Road, Central Asia and China • The Judaeo-Christian world • Imperial and post-imperial Iran • Post Arab conquest • Journey and settlement • Parsi salon • Fire temple • Zoroastrian communities around the world • The seven creations ISBN - 9781780768090
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Pages : 272
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