This two-volume work describes three collections of Persian manuscripts and lithographic prints at the Royal Library, Copenhagen – in total, 267 manuscripts and lithographs dating from the 15th to the 20th century CE. Designed especially as an essential source of reference for scholars working in all aspects of manuscript studies, the catalogue includes over 500 full-page illustrations (some in colour) that help identify each of the manuscripts.

This two-volume work describes three collections of Persian manuscripts and lithographic prints at the Royal Library, Copenhagen: 155 manuscripts and lithographs acquired by Arthur Christensen in Iran, 10 manuscripts collected by David Simonsen and 102 manuscripts acquired by the Library. All items have been included in the holdings of the Library after the publication of the previous catalogue in 1857.

          The Persian manuscripts included in the three collections cover a variety of topics, the major fields being poetry and history. The oldest date from the 9th H/15th CE century and the most recent from the 14th H/20th CE century. Among the items described, there is a substantial number of Qāğār-period lithographs, many of them illustrated. A special group of lithographs is formed by four diaries written by the Qāğār ruler Nāṣer al-Dīn Šāh (ruled 1264–1313 H [1848–1896 CE]). In the diaries, the Nāṣer al-Dīn Šāh describes his travels in Iran, Iraq and Europe.

          Designed especially as an essential source of reference for scholars working in all aspects of manuscript studies, the catalogue includes over 500 full-page illustrations (some in colour) that help identify each of the manuscripts.