Sketches of Persia
From the Journals of a Traveller in the East

A nineteenth-century journey through Persia by a British diplomat who spent a considerable part of his career there.

John Malcolm (Author)

9781108028677, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 June 2011

292 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.7 cm, 0.37 kg

Sketches of Persia, although published anonymously in 1827, is attributed to Sir John Malcolm (1769–1833). Malcolm was a diplomat and administrator in India: arriving at the age of fourteen in 1783 to work for the East India Company, he was known during his long career as 'Boy' Malcolm. He swiftly moved into more political and diplomatic roles. He became fluent in Persian and was despatched to Persia for part of his career, though he would eventually return to India and become Governor of Bombay (1827–1830). Volume 2 begins on the edge of the desert in Cashan and ends in Sennah. Along the way, Malcolm observes Persian life and customs, and describes his many encounters, which give a vivid picture of society in Persia during this period, including a magnificent reception at court in Tehran where he meets the king, who is dripping with jewels 'of an extraordinary size'.

14. Cashan
15. Arrival of Koom
16. Departure from Koom
17. Distant view of Teheran
18. Terms of reception at court
19. Progress of the Russians
20. Departure from Sooltaneah
21. Mârâgâ.

Subject Areas: Middle Eastern history [HBJF1]