Humour in Iran

"Humorous and satirical writing is a prevalent yet little-discussed aspect of Persian literature, from the classical poets to contemporary writers. This book offers a chronological overview and anthology of notable Persian poets and writers who has indulged in satirical or humorous work, giving a short biographical note and a practical context of the translated passages, which are given with the accompanying Persian text. From Obeyd Zakani to Rumi, San'di and Hafiz, the book examines the full spectrum of satire, from the coarsely bawdy, ribald and erotic, to moral and ethical aspects deeply anchored in Persian culture. Explaining key terms and genres of satire in Persian literature, including tanz, tibat, motayebeh, mezah, tamaskhor va maskhareh, shukhi, and latifeh, Katouzian argues that even in serious political treatises, humour had a function to inculcate certain behaviour on the part of readers"--