New book: Arms and Armor from Iran

tsubame1 · 24th September 2006, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew

It was my understanding the book has an extensive amount of historical content.

Qarachuri is well historically described there, according to the one that have both my copy and enough knowledge to say this.

Gt Obach · 24th September 2006, 02:01 PM

thank you

a good review of the work is not a bad thing.. .. as i believe that writing a book is a growth experience...

critical review of the content is beneficial..... everything published should stand up to scrutiny.... but there can be a point where some criticism can step abit over the line and some colorful words can hurt feelings.. ..

i know that some effective reviews will come from this forum.. as there are some very sharp minds here !

generally.. i try not to post any negative commentary... and it was very hard for me to write those words last night.. .. ... no harm was meant

Greg

Ian · 24th September 2006, 02:16 PM

Guys:

I note the call by B.I. and others to get back to the contents of this book and to provide a useful critique. While I understand there are related issues, feelings seem to have been vented on both sides, and it is time to move on.

The author and his editors deserve a fair and open appraisal. I'm sure there will be differences of opinion. Let's stay away from personalities and focus on the weapons.

Ian.

ariel · 24th September 2006, 04:09 PM

Gentlemen,
I would like it to be abundantly clear that my last post was referring NOT to the book my Mr. Khorasani but to the preface written by Prof. Farroukh and to his very idiosyncratic view of Persian history.
The book itself was eagerly anticipated by the "sword" community. There is a big void in our understanding of Persian arms and armor and Mr. Khorasani spent inordinate amount of time and effort to fill it. For that, he has to be applauded. Personally, my hat is off to him.
Ultimately, any book (just like any material or intellectual work) has to be judged on its own merits and by strictly objective criteria: originality, veracity of information, soundness of discussion and conclusions, style, quality of illustrations etc. Sound critique of these and similar points is not only legitimate but highly desirable as it clarifies the issues and ultimately enhances our understanding of the subject.
As this book slowly but surely finds its way to the readers, I expect to see reviews, both positive and negative. From my personal experience as a former and current Editor and/or member of the Editorial Boards of 8 academic journals and as a reviewer for more than 30, I can suggest some guidelines universally employed in the academic community.
Since this book deals equally with the historical context, aesthetic values, technical issues etc, and also provides a photographic account of the items from the sources we would never see otherwise, all of the above areas should be open for discussion.The styles of the reviews will vary and it is to be expected , but the common denominators of a professional review are:

objectivity
knowledge of the field (supported by a reference, if needed)
addressing salient points
avoidance of critique of the points not in evidence
avoidance of ad hominem remarks.

Importantly, all affiliations with the book (editorial, promotional, financial etc) should be disclosed by the reviewer.

Every book addressing a subject of importance deserves to be reviewed and critiqued, with egos stroked and feathers ruffled in the process. The only way to avoid it is not to publish at all, and the only thing worse than a negative review is an indifferent silence.
Again, thanks to Mr. Khorasani for publishing this book.

24th September 2006, 02:16 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	The book please gentlemen ... Guys: I note the call by B.I. and others to get back to the contents of this book and to provide a useful critique. While I understand there are related issues, feelings seem to have been vented on both sides, and it is time to move on. The author and his editors deserve a fair and open appraisal. I'm sure there will be differences of opinion. Let's stay away from personalities and focus on the weapons. Ian.

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24th September 2006, 02:01 PM	#2
Gt Obach Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 116	thank you a good review of the work is not a bad thing.. .. as i believe that writing a book is a growth experience... critical review of the content is beneficial..... everything published should stand up to scrutiny.... but there can be a point where some criticism can step abit over the line and some colorful words can hurt feelings.. .. i know that some effective reviews will come from this forum.. as there are some very sharp minds here ! generally.. i try not to post any negative commentary... and it was very hard for me to write those words last night.. .. ... no harm was meant Greg

24th September 2006, 04:09 PM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Gentlemen, I would like it to be abundantly clear that my last post was referring NOT to the book my Mr. Khorasani but to the preface written by Prof. Farroukh and to his very idiosyncratic view of Persian history. The book itself was eagerly anticipated by the "sword" community. There is a big void in our understanding of Persian arms and armor and Mr. Khorasani spent inordinate amount of time and effort to fill it. For that, he has to be applauded. Personally, my hat is off to him. Ultimately, any book (just like any material or intellectual work) has to be judged on its own merits and by strictly objective criteria: originality, veracity of information, soundness of discussion and conclusions, style, quality of illustrations etc. Sound critique of these and similar points is not only legitimate but highly desirable as it clarifies the issues and ultimately enhances our understanding of the subject. As this book slowly but surely finds its way to the readers, I expect to see reviews, both positive and negative. From my personal experience as a former and current Editor and/or member of the Editorial Boards of 8 academic journals and as a reviewer for more than 30, I can suggest some guidelines universally employed in the academic community. Since this book deals equally with the historical context, aesthetic values, technical issues etc, and also provides a photographic account of the items from the sources we would never see otherwise, all of the above areas should be open for discussion.The styles of the reviews will vary and it is to be expected , but the common denominators of a professional review are: objectivity knowledge of the field (supported by a reference, if needed) addressing salient points avoidance of critique of the points not in evidence avoidance of ad hominem remarks. Importantly, all affiliations with the book (editorial, promotional, financial etc) should be disclosed by the reviewer. Every book addressing a subject of importance deserves to be reviewed and critiqued, with egos stroked and feathers ruffled in the process. The only way to avoid it is not to publish at all, and the only thing worse than a negative review is an indifferent silence. Again, thanks to Mr. Khorasani for publishing this book.