Asadi Tusi, Abu Mansur Ali ibn Ahmed

Born at the beginning of the 11th century in Tus; died in the late 1080’s. Iranian poet.

Asadi’s most important work is Garshasp-name, an epic written in the style of the Shah-name. The subject of the epic poem is taken from ancient Iranian tales. Of great scientific value is Asadi’s Dictionary of the Persian Language, the earliest defining dictionary of the Persian language that has come down to us. It contains fragments of lost literary works: Kalila and Dimna by Rudaki, Wamik and Adhra by Unsuri, and others. Also known are Asadi’s strife poems, munazare, the best examples of this genre.