Legacy of a Pioneering Poet, Writer and Broadcaster
Mahmud Kianush was born in 1934, in the city of Mashhad, situated in the northeastern part of Iran. He was a prominent and prolific Iranian literary figure with over 120 books of poetry, short stories and literary criticism.
His words and wisdom will touch the readers’ hearts and minds, through the wealth of his literary works.
In the “Poetry Portfolio”, we present a selection of his poetry in both English and Persian.
BIOGRAPHY
A Passionate, Prolific Poet
Mahmud Kianush left an indelible mark on Persian literature, showcasing his poetic prowess from an early age with ghazals in high school and winning a national prize for a short story at just 16. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tehran University, he embarked on a multifaceted career as a teacher and later as the editor in chief of the prestigious literary monthly magazine Sokhan.
A Much Revered Pioneer
3rd April 2024 – BBC program on the life and works of
Mahmud Kianush.
in the press
Modern Persian Poetry Review
— Parvin Loloi
“… Though the work of some individual poets has been translated into English in recent years and published mainly in the USA, Kianush’s volume is a much awaited book which fills a gap; it is the more comprehensive of the two anthologies which exist in English. An accomplished poet himself, Kianush’s translations are well balanced and eloquent……One very refreshing aspect of this anthology (Modern Persian Poetry) is the presence of a good number of Women poets… Kianush has successfully carried over into English some of the music and lyricism of his originals and his informative introduction traces the development of contemporary Persian poetry from its inception to the present day…“
Acumen Magazine, January 1997
28th January 2005 – BBC Interview with Mahmud Kianush
This Persian interview with Mahmud Kianush, delves into his multifaceted career and his reflections on creativity, literature, and life in exile. Kianush discusses his approach to writing, emphasising that he does not limit himself to a single genre. Instead, he chooses the most appropriate form—be it poetry, fiction, essays, or journalism—to convey his ideas whenever inspiration strikes.
Kianush recounts his early days in Iran, where he began writing poetry and short stories as a student. He shares his experiences of contributing to various publications in Iran and his continued literary pursuits after relocating to the UK.
His body of work encompasses poetry, short stories, novels, literary criticism, children’s literature, journalism, and broadcasting, highlighting his remarkable versatility.
As a broadcaster for the BBC World Service, Kianush adapted his writing for radio, focusing on clear and accessible language. He also offers a critique of contemporary Persian poetry, expressing concern over the prevalence of what he calls “easy poetry” that lacks depth and philosophical richness.
The interview touches on his novels and stories, which often explore themes of friendship, personal transformation, and the search for meaning. Kianush reflects on how his experiences of migration and living in different cultural contexts have shaped his literary work and worldview. Despite his critical perspective on modern literature, Kianush remains deeply committed to exploring the complexities of the human experience through his writing.
Read the complete Interview (in Persian)
Personal life
A True Love Story
Pari Mansouri, was the beloved wife of Mahmud Kianush and cherished mother to Kaveh and Katayoon (Katy). She was an exceptional Teacher, Writer and Translator.
She met Kianush at Tehran University, while studying English literature. Their shared passion for words and stories quickly grew into a profound connection, culminating in a marriage that would endure for the rest of their lives.
She had a strong and fearless spirit . She was passionate about “Life” and “Living”. She loved spending time in nature, especially her own garden, which she tended to for many years.