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Do Academics of Iranica agree with Lendering?
Lendering demands the following from Farrokh’s publishers:
“…the manuscript ought to have
been returned to the writer.” He
also states the following: “…hundreds of errors…Shadows in the
Desert remains, in four words,
an extremely bad book… useless... Someone with a Ph.D. and employed
by a university ought to know better” These statements are not supported by serious academic scholars in
the domain of Iranian Studies. Below are a number of examples displayed
on Amazon.com: "This is an excellent
well-illustrated survey of an important period, useful for students
and a general readership alike. It deals not only with military matters,
but also more broadly with political developments in Persia. My students
have consulted it with profit." Professor Geoffrey Greatrex Department of Classics and Religious Studies University of Ottawa "Shadows in the Desert: Ancient Persia
at War is perhaps
on of the finest books that has been produced from Western publishing
houses, in this case Osprey Publishing... For the first time, we see
a clearly written history book that outlines the relationship between
these Iranian achievements to the wars that took place between the Greco-Roman
world and ancient Persia...this book draws on excellent research that
has received little mention; not to mention previously un-translated
Greco-Roman historical sources." Professor Nikoloz Kacharava, MD, PhD. The University of Georgia in Tbilisi Member of Academy of Sciences in Georgia,
Active Member of New York Academy of Sciences "This
beautifully illustrated book will no doubt serve as a useful companion
for all those interested in the military history of the pre-Islamic
Middle East... Useful maps, photography and color plates make this a
handsome and desirable volume; it will be of interest to students and
scholars alike." Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones School of History, Classics and Archaeology University of Edinburgh "... a book for all who
have ever been curious about the 'other' view on Persia, not from the
Western standpoint rooted in Greece, but from the traditions of the
Persians themselves... Meticulously researched and documented... I have recommended it to many and am also using
it here at Stanford not only for research but also in a course this
fall. There is not only no better book on Persian warfare, it is carefully
and sensitively written with great verve and love of history. I much
appreciate how the research and analyses of texts showed Achaeminid,
Parthian and Sassanid military accomplishments, often to the astonishment
of Greeks and Romans and beyond. I notice from excellent reviews that
other scholars agree.” Professor Patrick Hunt Department of Classics Stanford University
Perhaps Lendering is suggesting that his unique perspective is superior
to the combined scholarship of world-class scholars from venues such
as Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Ottawa and
the University of Edinburgh, etc.
The most restrained observation with respect to Lendering’s views is
that they are inconsistent. |
