Zoroastrianism: An Introduction (I.B.Tauris Introductions to Religion) Paperback – February 15, 2011

This Book was Way more than I hoped for. You see, years ago I must have read something about how Zoroastrianism brought on a virtual Moral Revolution in the West, comparable to Confucius’s Moral Influence in China. The difference being that Everybody knows about the influence of Confucius in Asia but that Zoroastrianism suffered badly in the Storms of History allowing Morally Derivative Religions to grow and thrive while Zoroastrianism was minimized and marginalized. Most serious Historians do not even Consider Zoroastrianism. The Focus is all on Egypt, Greece and Judaism.Well, fortunately Professor Jenny Rose came along with her scholarly Masterpiece. It can’t be long before she is a Full Tenured Professor somewhere, even Head of her own History Department.The Title of her Book is “An Introduction…”; however, this is in context to how the book was grouped with other books by her Publisher. The other books in the Series may have been introductions, but I largely doubt that anybody besides the most ambitious scholar would need anything in addition to Professor Rose’s Book.Now, yes, the book is SO complete that inevitably there will be sections that concern matters that you would not be the least bit curious about, but with a Real Physical Book, and not a Kindle Format, it is extremely easy to scan through until you find something again that pulls in your attention.But, concerning my vague assumption that Zoroastrianism brought a Moral Revolution in its wake, well, whatever I had read a few years, or a few dozen years, back was certainly true. The Religions that Most Historians and the General Public think were so pivotal to the Moral Development of the West were indeed only derivative, indeed, they were a bit reactionary and even backtracked a bit from the Moral Heights of Zoroastrianism. One can only suppose that if Alexander had stayed in Macedonia, or Conquered toward the West instead of toward the East, we’d all be living in a Beautifully Moral High Civilization now, instead of counting the days until our Environmental or Political Social Doom overtakes us.

As we’ve come to expect with the older world religions, there is no one Zoroastrianism. Many, or perhaps most, who are purists, maintain that only the Gatha teachings of Zarathustra are the pure original teachings. Because of my own personal prejudices about the original form of anything, my sympathies are with them. One will see the supreme being, Ahura Mazda, as being part of both Mitric and Zoroastrian beliefs. The author looks at the development of Zoroastrianism in several important regions: Persia, Seleucia to Sistan, the Sasanians, Central Asia, Islamic Iran and India. Worship of both Fire and Water seem to be among their earliest customs. This was followed by the worship of Anahita, and the concept of magi was also introduced early on. Of course the religion spread, and went through several adaptations, to become the Zoroastrianism that exists today. I have to admit I would have preferred seeing the original Gathas, but I must say this volume is still recommended.

Jenny Rose is a scholar that specializes in Iranian Studies (most prominently Ancient Iranian religion, history, and culture). This is one of the definitive books devoted to Zoroastrianism along with Mary Boyce's 'Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices'. Despite its title, this book is much more than just a introduction. The book contains information not just on Zoroastrian practices and beliefs but also maps, a glossary, picture and illustrations, and a comprehensive history of Zoroastrianism in the myriad regions it thrived at (a chapter devoted to Zoroastrianism in Central Asia is rare!). There is very few resources for the study of Zoroastrianism so this is a very invaluable book that successfully attempted to fill that void.Now a constructive caution, this book seems to be geared towards a more academic audience. It assumes the reader has basic knowledge of certain historical and cultural subjects as the text throws around countless place names, culture, and events with little context and does so rather rapidly. Another thing is about the religious readers. In conclusion, any interested reader willing to take the time to absorb the contents of this book will not be disappointed.

Jenny Rose's book is in my view exceptional. I as a layman, first developed an interest in Zoroastrianism 20 years ago and I started out with an over simplified concept of one man at one time who had some important ideas the development of which moved in a steady linear progression. This author, however, has illustrated with great clarity how the ideas of this religion developed in a multitude of different ways in different places, times and circumstances. Without ever losing her grasp of the overall theme, Rose is always diligent in tying her synthesis to the available evidence. Her commentary on the religion in Central Asia was particularly illuminating (at least for me).Two minor quibbles. Occasionally Rose slips into un-necessary academic jargon when simple Anglo-Saxon would do the job more efficiently. One of her academic reviewers described her English as beautiful. It ain't; it's accurate, even good, but might have benefited from a non-academic edit prior to publishing.Secondly, better use might have been made of better maps though I understand they would add to costs.I repeat, minor quibbles. I would give 6 stars to this book if I could.It really is that good.

As an American student of religious studies in Germany I was hoping to get compact information in English to help me understand the complicated German texts on Zoroastrianism. At first I was happy with the amount of data offered in Jenny Rose's book, but soon realized it is impossible to look up certain concepts. Unfortunately, there is no index and the table of contents has no page numbers. Then I noticed the book pages also have no page numbers! I don't think I have ever read a book without page numbers. This is very disappointing, especially considering Ms Rose is an associate professor of religious studies and should understand how important it is to be able to look up people, eras or theories without having to thumb through all the pages. Nonetheless, I am giving the book two stars for excellent information. Only wish I could find it.

Most people know little about this important religious tradition. Professor Jenny Rose provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to Zoroastrianism that helps the reader realize the significant of Zoroastrian principles and its history. Whether you are interested in Zoroastrianism as a religion or how this tradition contributed to the development of several monotheistic religions, this book becomes an important foundational text that clarifies everything one would want to know and more.Howard Gontovnick, Ph.D.Interdisciplinary StudiesState University of New York (Plattsburgh, NY)

Sobre todo es un manual de cómo entender actualmente el zoroastrismo-mazdeísmo, los problemas a los que se enfrenta el creyente y la difusión de la creencia. Los apartados históricos pasan a un segundo plano, pero son muy importantes para comprenderlo todo.La parte histórica desde la caída del Imperio Sasánida hasta la actualidad es especialmente curiosa y llevadera, aunque otras partes del libro sean algo pesadas. Es un inglés sencillo, en general, aunque la inclusión de términos persas a menudo dificulta la lectura fluida.La encuadernación es francamente mala.

Good

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