Povijest svjetske književnosti 1

The first volume of History of World Literature, edited by Svetozar Petrović, is dedicated to the oldest and most diverse literary traditions of the East. The volume covers the classical literatures of the Middle East, including Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Hebrew literature, which shaped the first myths, epics, legal writings, and religious texts. Furthermore, the rich and multifaceted Indian literature is presented – from the Vedic hymns and epics Mahābhārata and Rāmāyana to philosophical and religious texts that later generations would take over and interpret. Chinese literature is presented through the fundamental works of Confucius, Lao Tzu, and classical poets, as well as through the development of historical and philosophical schools that strongly influenced Far Eastern culture. Japanese literature is covered through early courtly works, such as The Tale of Genji, and poetic forms that would later become recognizable symbols of Japanese culture. Persian literature emphasizes the value of the epic tradition, especially the Shahnameh, and mystical and lyric poetry. In addition, the volume covers Arabic literature and the literatures of other Asian peoples, with special emphasis on pre-Islamic poetry, the Qur'an as a fundamental text, and later classical authors. The volume provides a detailed, comprehensive, and historiographically based insight into the diversity of Eastern literary traditions, emphasizing their mutual connections, cultural specificities, and lasting influence on the world's literary heritage.