Daryaee presents a Middle Persian text containing the earliest story of the invention and rules of chess and backgammon during the reign of the Sasanian king of kings, Khusro (531-79 CE), who is the only one of the four characters in the story with a firm historical attestation. The story is comprised of correspondence in which the Indian and Iranian courts claim to be loftier. As a test, the Indians invent chess and defy the Iranians to find its logic. They do, then devise backgammon, which the Indians are unable to fathom. In addition to much supporting material, Daryaee presents a transcription, an English translation, and three Middle Persian manuscripts. Annotation 2021 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
