The History of Persia: From the Most Early Period to the Present Time, Volume 2The product of a lifetime spent in India and the Middle East, for over a century this two-volume work by Sir John Malcolm (1769-1833), first published in 1815, remained the most trusted chronicle of Persia. Translated into French, German and Persian, the detailed and diverse contents earned its diplomat author an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Oxford. Although learned, Malcolm's narrative is informed by personal experiences acquired while serving as an envoy and secretary to the governor general, a position which clearly shaped his views on the country's political character. Volume 2 begins with an account of the rulers of the early eighteenth century and goes on to provide a detailed history of modern Persia, incorporating descriptions of its religions, government, climate and social conventions. Malcolm's concluding remarks are both critical and portentous as he observes the needs for a 'complete alteration' in the political condition of Persia. |
Contents
THE SECOND VOLUME | 1 |
Life and reign of Nadir ShahHis obscure birthEarly achievementsDethrones | 114 |
View of Persia and adjoining countries before the elevation of the reigning family | 203 |
CHAPTER XXI | 262 |
CHAPTER XXII | 319 |
Relivion of the inhabitants of Persia Doctrines of MahomedSoonee and Sheah | 426 |
Government of PersiaPower of the monarchDuties of his ministers Laws | 499 |
CHAPTER XXV | 544 |
An account of the manners and usages of the inhabitants of Persia Education | 617 |
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Common terms and phrases
Aga Mahomed Khan Aly Khan appears army attack attended authority believe body brother called capital cause CHAP character chief commanded compelled condition conduct consequence considerable considered continued court danger death deemed desire directed duties empire enemies enjoy established faith first followers force forms gave give given governor habits head Herat History holy horse hundred Hussein immediately inhabitants Isfahan Khorassan king kingdom Koran Kurreem latter Mahomedan manner marched means Meerza mind minister monarch Nadir nature never nobles object observed obtained period Persia person possession present prince principal prophet province rank received reign relations religion remained remarkable respect royal ruler sect sent Shah Sheah Shiraz sovereign subjects success taken termed thousand throne tion took town tribes troops usages whole