Modern Persia

The work offers a detailed late-19th-century survey of Persia's climate, products, population, industries, administration, and military, followed by sketches of its ancient history, architecture, language, and poetry. It examines major religious traditions—Zoroastrianism, Sunni and Shiite Islam, and newer movements—describing doctrines, clergy, rituals, pilgrimages, family law, and popular piety. Social and political life is treated through chapters on the royal household, governors, courts, cities, and schools. Ethnic groups and sects such as Kurds, Bábists, and the Nestorian/Assyrian communities receive separate historical and ecclesiastical accounts. The volume concludes with an extended narrative of missionary activity, educational and medical institutions, conversions, and the author's own life and experiences in Persia.