Shanameh needs to be a movie
This collection of interesting myths and history explains the Persian "thing." In other words, if you like reading stories from other cultures about how here and now became here and now, then spend some time reading this book. It is a big book full of fascinating narratives detailing the development of civilization in ancient Persia until the Arabic invasion.
It is entertaining and more intellectually mature than it first appears. They may be myths, but the human condition in victory and defeat is written out in a way I have never seen before. It is a surprising book.
