مقايسه تحليلي سه چاپ كتاب الرجال برقي

An Analytical Comparison of three editions of Barqiʹs Ketab al-Rejal

Barqiʹs Ketab al-Rejal, an old biographical work on the Shiite traditionists, has been edited and published three times, so far: Tehran University Press, 1383/2004; Qom, Institution of Islamic Publications jij, 1419/1998: The Library of Ayatuallh Marashi Najafi, 1428/2007. Briefly identifying Barqi family, the present paper discusses the accuracy of attributing the Ketab al-Rejal to Ahmad b. Mohammad e Barqi (d. 274/887-8? 28o/893?). More over, comparing the above three different editions, the paper follows dealing with the extent of their preciseness, validity and authenticity. Finally, the paper concludes that after more than 45 years, the first publication by the Tehran University Press, 1383/2004, is superior to the later editions, regarding validity, precise recording of,names, and biographical advantages.