The case of the animals versus man before the King of the Jinn : a translation from the Epistles of the Brethren of Purity
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
The case of the animals versus man before the King of the Jinn : a translation from the Epistles of the Brethren of Purity
Oxford University Press in association with the Institute of Ismaili Studies, 2012, c2009
- : pbk
- Other Title
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Rasāʾil Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ
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Note
First published in 2009
Includes bibliographical references and indexes
Description and Table of Contents
Description
This is a new English translation of a classic of medieval Islamic learning, which illuminates the intellectual debates of its age and speaks vividly to the concerns of our own. It is the most famous work of the Brethren of Purity, a tenth-century esoteric fraternity based in Basra and Baghdad. In this rich allegorical fable the exploited and oppressed animals pursue a case against humanity. They are granted the gift of speech and presented as subjects with views
and interests of their own. Over the course of the hearing they rebuke and criticise human weakness, deny man's superiority, and make powerful demands for greater justice and respect for animals. This sophisticated moral allegory combines elements of satire with a thought-provoking thesis on animal
welfare. Goodman and McGregor accompany their translation with an introduction and annotations that explore the rich historical and cultural context to the work.
Table of Contents
- Foreword
- Introduction
- Technical Introduction
- Epistle 22: The Case of the Animals versus Man Before the King of the Jinn
- Appendix A: Authorities Cited
- Appendix B: Geographical Regions
- Appendix C: Iranian Kings and Heroes
- Bibliography
- Index
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