Love and Devotion: From Persia and Beyond

Description
Don't miss this landmark exhibition of rare 13th - to 18th century Persian, Mughal Indian and Ottoman Turkish illustrated manuscripts. From one of the richest periods in the history of the book, more than 60 works from the Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford join items from the State Library of Victoria in an exhibition of the largest and most important collection of Persian manuscripts ever seen in Australia. The profound beauty and universal stories contained within these captivating manuscripts will transport viewers to distant lands and other times. Love and Devotion will also showcase the many representations of human and divine love within the great narratives of Persian literature and poetry. Contemplate classic love stories by writers such as Nizami and Jami; works from the great Sufi poets Rumi and Hafiz; the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam and 1001 Nights; as well as Firdausi's Shahnama (Book of Kings) - Persia's great literary epic. Love and Devotion reveals a range of striking parallels between Persian and western literature. Early European manuscripts from the Bodleian Libraries will also be on display, including a Roman de la rose and works by Chaucer and Dante. The exhibition will show rare editions of European literature, travel books and maps from the collections of the State Library of Victoria. A rich program of events and activities supports Love and Devotion: From Persia and Beyond, including a Persian cultural day, musical performances and a conference. A lavishly illustrated book will also be available.