Expeditions in Persia : Exploring Qajar Persia in two 19th-Century Diaries

This fascinating volume unveils the intricacies of 19th-century Persian expeditions through two complementary travelogues that offer both Eastern and Western perspectives on Qajar Persia.

The first account, by an anonymous author attributed to Sir John Malcolm, provides a detailed diplomatic and historical perspective on a journey through Persia during an East India Company mission led by Sir John Malcolm. The second travelogue, written by Mirz-leh, an Iranian intellectual and later diplomat, chronicles a separate expedition commissioned by Sir William Ouseley, the brother of Sir Gore Ouseley.

Together, these accounts weave a comprehensive and multifaceted portrait of early 19th-century Persia. Mirz-leh's narrative enriches the volume with vivid descriptions of Persia's societies, geography, and architecture, offering a deeply cultural and immersive experience that complements the diplomatic insights of the first diary. The result is a captivating exploration of the region's history, culture, and landscapes that brings this remarkable period vividly to life.