Bøger af Sergio La Porta

The History of the Armenian priest Lewond is an important source for the history of early Islamic rule and the only contemporary chronicle of second/eighth-century caliphal rule in Armenia. This volume presents a diplomatic edition and new English translation of Lewond's text, which describes events that took place during the century and a half following the Prophet Muḥammad's death in AH 11/632 CE. The authors address Lewond's account as a work of caliphal history, written in Armenian, from within the Caliphate. As such, this book provides a critical reading of the Caliphate from one of its most significant provinces. Reading notes clarify many aspects of the period covered to make the text understandable to students and specialists alike. Extensive commentary elucidates Lewond's narrative objectives and situates his History in a broader Near Eastern historiographical context by bringing the text into new conversations with a constellation of Arabic, Greek, and Syriac works that cover the same period. The book thus stresses the multiplicity of voices operating in the Caliphate in this pivotal period of Near Eastern history.

"Descendants of Troy: Readings in the Humanities provides a unique introduction to major texts of Western literature from classical antiquity to the Middle Ages. Developed for students with little or no prior exposure to this literary tradition, this anthology includes a range of selections from The Iliad to Inferno. Students will gain reading confidence by exploring the literary heritage of the Trojan War and its participants. In addition, modern poetry about these characters is presented alongside the classics, highlighting the relevance of the ancient texts and fostering an appreciation for contemporary work as well. The readings are used to explore the costs of war, the function of memory, and the quest for self-knowledge and the variety of readings gives professors and students the freedom to engage in a multitude of themes. As an introduction to the classics, this anthology is both challenging and accessible, providing a foundation essential in any humanities educaton.Sergio La Porta, Ph.D. (Harvard University) is the Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies at California State University, Fresno, where he teaches courses in Armenian literature, history, and religion as well as introductory courses in the humanities. His areas of research include Armenian intellectual and political history, philology, and apocalyptic literature."