Oliver Vass

Siavash

The story of Siavash in the Shahnameh, penned by Ferdowsi, begins with his birth to a woman who becomes the wife of Kay Kavus, the king of Iran. However, astrologers and soothsayers predict a dark and troubled fate for the handsome Siavash, which deeply disturbs Kay Kavus. Soon after, Rostam, the noble warrior, approaches the king and…
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How Poetry Touches the Brain and Sparks Emotion

Verse and nerve, the hidden power of poetry on the human mind Poetry has been woven into nearly every culture throughout history, but its impact on the brain and body remains unclear. In an intriguing study, “Wassiliwizky” et al. set out to uncover how poetry affects our emotions and brain activity. This interesting study conducted…
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Rostam – Persian Literary Characters

Continuing our journey through Persian literary icons, leading up to the release of our translated poetry collection, today we spotlight one of the most formidable heroes in Persian mythology: Rostam. Rostam is the central hero of the Shahnameh, the epic masterpiece composed by the 10th-century Persian poet Ferdowsi. As the strongest and most revered warrior…
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Majnun – Persian Literary Characters

As we continue our exploration of iconic characters from Persian poetry, building up to the release of our own translated collection, we turn our attention to one of the most enduring figures in Persian literary tradition: Majnun. Majnun is the tragic protagonist of the legendary love story Layla and Majnun, penned by the 12th-century Persian…
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Discovering Deichman Library

Nestled in the vibrant Bjørvika district, just a stone’s throw from Oslo’s iconic Opera House, lies one of Europe’s most modern libraries—Deichman. More than just a repository of books, this architectural masterpiece is a hub of creativity, innovation, and inspiration, redefining what a library can be. A Haven for Inspiration and Reflection Deichman Library is…
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Behind The Lines – Mini Pods

In our new mini-podcast series, we dive into the process of translating and editing Farsi poetry through engaging conversations between Fatemeh Ekhtesari, an Iranian poet and translator living in Norway, and Oliver Vass, a publisher and editor. These discussions explore not just the technical aspects of translation but also the rich cultural insights that come…
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Shirin – Persian Literary Characters

This beautiful image is a Persian miniature from the famous epic Khosrow and Shirin by Nizami Ganjavi, one of the most celebrated poets of the Persian literary tradition. The scene captures the moment when Khosrow, a Sassanian king, discovers the Armenian princess Shirin bathing in a secluded pool. Khosrow, dressed in royal attire and riding…
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Why “Sic” Publishing?

Why We Named Our Company Sic Publishing: Staying True to the Original When we set out to establish our publishing house, we knew we wanted a name that truly captured our mission. After much consideration, we settled on “Sic Publishing.” Now, we’re aware that the name might raise a few eyebrows—after all, “sic” is often…
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Samuel Tongue

Samuel Tongue, esteemed poet and editor, released his first full collection, “Sacrifice Zones,” in 2020, and has several pamphlets to his name. Published in notable journals and serving as an editor for literary publications, he’s also judged prominent poetry awards. Multilingual and engaged in literary events, Tongue shapes Scotland’s literary scene, also co-directing a creative…
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Fatemeh Ekhtesari

Fatemeh Ekhtesari, an Iranian poet, writer, and activist. Her evocative poetry transcends languages, touching on universal themes. Uncover her resilience and dedication to activism, particularly in addressing gender discrimination and women’s rights. Ekhtesari’s literary journey is a poignant exploration of the transformative impact of words and advocacy.
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