Iran in Finnegans Wake

Iran in Finnegans Wake is a scholarly work that meticulously catalogs and analyzes the Iranian, Zoroastrian, and Persian vocabulary found in James Joyce's Finnegans Wake. This book is an invaluable resource for readers and scholars eager to uncover the intricate cultural and linguistic influences embedded within Joyce's enigmatic masterpiece.

The book is organized according to the structure of Finnegans Wake, with each chapter corresponding to a specific section of the text. As readers progress through Joyce's work, they will find a thorough analysis of each Iranian, Zoroastrian, or Persian word in the order it appears. Entries include the word in its original script, a simple English translation, and a detailed explanation of its cultural significance and relevance within the context of Joyce's narrative. Introductory chapters provide essential background on the historical and cultural influences of these linguistic elements, deepening the reader's understanding of Joyce's engagement with Iranian traditions.

This book targets a diverse audience, including scholars and enthusiasts of James Joyce's work who seek a deeper understanding of the cultural and linguistic dimensions within Finnegans Wake. It also appeals to academic institutions with programs in literary studies, comparative literature, Iranian studies, and Persian language departments, providing a valuable resource for courses and research focused on cross-cultural literary analysis and connections between Western and Iranian literature. Furthermore, libraries, research institutions, and general readers with an interest in James Joyce and cultural interplay in literature constitute potential markets for this comprehensive reference guide.

Hamid Farahmandian is a researcher in English literature with research interests encompassing Irish modernism, global modernism, postcolonialism, Orientalism, and comparative literature. Farahmandian has undertaken several research projects in these areas. He has conducted a research visit at the University of Victoria in Canada and served as a resident scholar at the Zurich James Joyce Foundation in Switzerland. He further expanded his international experience by visiting the University of Oxford as a funded researcher in late 2024.