Pahlavi Texts (Volume 1) The Bundahis, Bahman Yast, and Shayast La-Shayast

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Good with no dust jacket. 2012. Softcover. 1108054293 . lxxiv, 438 pp. Errata, index. In English. Glossy cream and red card covers are clean, bit of shelf wear, interior clean and unmarked. Nice copy. Published between 1880 and 1897 as part of Max Müller's Sacred Books of the East series, this five-volume translation of Pahlavi texts (of which this is Vol. I only) 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, cementing his reputation for pioneering scholarship. His writings and editions are still referenced today in Indo-Iranian studies. Volume 1 includes the Bundahis (Zoroastrian traditions about the creation of the world), the Bahman Yast (a prophetic text detailing thousands of years of history, including the downfall and rebirth of Zoroastrianism) and the Shayâst Lâ-Shâyast (detailing ritual impurity and sin, and purification rituals, such as those used for dead bodies). In his introduction, West compares these texts to the biblical books of Genesis, Revelation, and Leviticus.; Cambridge Library Collection - Religion; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 518 pages .