Roma in the Medieval Islamic World: Literacy, Culture, and Migration. By Kristina Richardson

The title of this book is deceptive. It not primarily about Roma but the Banū Sāsān, “the Sons Sāsān,” a term used in medieval Islamic world to denote constellation people often associated with irreputable activities, such as begging, robbery, and charlatanry, mythologized descendants pre-Islamic Sasanian emperors Iran. received view on largely indebted Clifford Bosworth, that they included individuals from most ethnic groups Middle East spoke an argot based Arabic loan-words Persian, Greek, Syriac, Hebrew, Aramaic, Akkadian. In line consensus, Kristina Richardson initially describes Sāsān “tribal confederation”: “multiethnic, multiconfessional group” (15) followed peripatetic occupations diviners, preachers, astrologers, herbalists, entertainers, or beggars. contrast previous work, she presents simply marginal outcasts central culture brokers whose influence stemmed precisely leveraging their minority status itinerant way life. original research group’s language, Sīn (ch. 2), demonstrating it proper mixed language rather than mere (see impressive glossary appendix 1); previously overlooked literary 3); its habitation settlement practices 4). These chapters challenge stereotypes illiteracy, nomadism, roguery. real highlight comes 5 6, which propose had important impact culture. argues developed new genre illustrated Shīʿi astrological books, called Bulhāns, considerable only astrology also development monumental painting (84–85). chapter astrologers were key players use spread blockprinting technology, mass-produce amulets talismans well pilgrimage certificates. redraws map print exemplifies originality her approach: written testimony contextualized by discussions material printing, transnational technology transfers, economic niches other religious minorities, philological arguments Richardson’s knowledge Sīn.