Welcome to Intelligence Squared where Great Minds meet. I'm head of programming Connor Boyle.

Today, something a little different, we're excited to share with you a hand-picked episode of a brand new series,

The Specialist, produced by Intelligence Squared, in partnership with Sotheby's. We've all heard the

stories of the record-breaking works, headline-grabbing auctions and moments that

shock the art world and beyond. But have you ever wondered what's happening behind the scenes?

What goes into valuing a masterpiece or who the people are really behind the gavel?

The specialist brings you art's most extraordinary stories, told by the experts who witnessed them

in short episodes, perfect for a weekend listen.

Now, over to the specialist.

Imagine a Renaissance emperor or a pope or a king decided to put together the finest possible version of an existing manuscript.

Then illustrated by Leonardo, Michelangelo Bellini, Raphael, Georgione.

It would be almost a surreal concept, but yet that is exactly what this is, but made in 16th century Persia.

Sotheby's is the temporary custodian of some of the world's most rare, remarkable and coveted art and objects.

In each episode, we'll be exploring the significance and journey of an extraordinary work

told by those who know it best.

This is The Specialist.

On today's episode, we're diving into the legendary Shannama, the Persian Book of Kings,

an epic poem composed

of around 50,000 rhyming couplets that recounts the mythical and historical past of the Persian

Empire. Benedict Carter tells the tale of how one remarkable version of the shenama containing

258 pictures was split up and takes us through to the spectacular

record-setting sale of one of its illustrated folios. Having studied Arabic at both the universities

...