Jews lived in Persia from shortly after the Babylonian Exile of the early 6th century BCE. On account of their ancient pedigree, they were extremely proud of their heritage, developing traditions and legends that spoke to their importance in the Jewish world. One such legend, composed in 1332, fills in gaps in the story of Queen Esther and identifies her as the mother of King Cyrus, the king who authorized the return of Jews from the Babylonian Exile. In this retelling of the story, the source of the redemption of the Jews is herself a Jewess. 

The image in front of the you is the book’s magnificent 19th century cover. While the painted scene is unspecific in its reference, the Persian setting is unmistakable.