This is a collection of translations of Armenian literature from
the middle ages, interspersed with poetry from the 19th century.
In addition, there are a number of episodes from the
chronicles of Moses of Khorene, a fifth century Armenian historian.
These recount legendary incidents of ancient Armenian history.
The anthologist and translator of many of these poems, Zabelle Boyajian,
also created the luminous illustrations.
The book concludes with a long essay by Aram Raffi
which contextualizes the long history of Armenian
literature.
This essay also details the long religious history of Armenia,
starting with an extended discussion of the ancient Pagan deities.
Armenia is in a region which is a cross-roads between Asia and Europe,
and has more often than not been conquered by the
dominant regional power of the day,
starting with the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Macedonians,
through the Ottomans and finally the Russians.
