The book A Brief Guide to the Manichaean Script, authored by Mohammad Shokri Foumeshi, was published this year by the Fravahar Cultural Publishing Institute in Tehran. Spanning 45 pages, this work delves into the fundamentals and techniques of the Manichaean script and manuscripts, comprising four main chapters and three appendices.

Chapters of the book are as follows:

1. Manichaean Script and Alphabet: Introduction to the structure and characteristics of the Manichaean alphabet.
2. Scribes’ Techniques for Aligning Columns and Text Layouts: Exploration of methods used by scribes to organize texts.
3. Numbers: Analysis of symbols and the use of numbers in Manichaean texts.
4. How to Read a Manuscript Fragment: A practical guide to studying and reading Manichaean manuscripts.

The appendices include:

• Appendix I: A sample Manichaean text presented in a computer-generated font.
• Appendix II: A collection of images of several Manichaean manuscripts.
• Appendix III: Details on the printing and publication of Manichaean manuscript photographs.

This guide has been designed as a practical resource for students and enthusiasts interested in the Manichaean script and manuscripts, particularly those from Turfan. The book draws on examples from Middle Persian, Parthian, Sogdian, and New Persian Manichaean texts to provide a comprehensive overview of this unique aspect of Iran’s cultural heritage.