Price $10 or make offer
Pick up near 395 FWY & Seminary Rd
Condition: New. Never read. Clean. No dust. Stored in a dust‑proof bag.
Pet‑free, smoke‑free adult home.
Sells elsewhere up to $35
Zabelle C. Boyajian’s Armenian Legends and Poems is far more than just an anthology—it serves as a vital bridge between a rich, 1,400-year-old literary tradition and the English-speaking world. Published in 1916 (a period of immense tragedy and upheaval for the Armenian people), her work was both an act of love and a crucial effort to document and celebrate a culture under threat.
The sampler highlights several fascinating elements that make this collection special:
The Literary Highlights
- Legends of Antiquity: The inclusion of stories like Vahagn (the ancient Armenian god of fire and war), the tragic martyrdom of Princess Santoukhd, and the legendary, unrequited love of the Assyrian Queen Semiramis for Ara the Handsome anchors the collection in the deep, mythological roots of the South Caucasus.
- The Power of Folk-Songs: Armenian folk music and poetry (Antuni) are famous for their raw emotion. They often deal with the pain of exile (pandukht), the yearning for a lost homeland, and the fierce desire for liberty—themes that are heavily reflected in this anthology.
- A Family Legacy of Art and Diplomacy: Boyajian’s unique background—born to a British Vice-Consul in Diyarbakır (ancient Tigranakert) and a descendant of the English poet Samuel Rogers—perfectly positioned her to translate these works with both academic fidelity and poetic grace. Her training at the Slade School of Fine Art also allowed her to illustrate the original 1916 edition with stunning, jewel-toned paintings reminiscent of ancient Armenian illuminated manuscripts.
Publisher: Independent. Middletown, DE
ISBN: 9798655428911
ASIN: B08BDK52NJ
Pages: 142
Binding: Paperback
Originally printed: January 1, 1916
This re-printing: December 19, 2024
Dimensions: 9 H x 6 W x 0.375 D inches