Edward Granville Browne (1862 1926) was a British orientalist renowned for his work on Persia. In this book, which was first published in 1918, Browne provided readers with access to previously unpublished material on the Babi religious movement, which came to prominence in Persia between 1844 and 1852, before continuing in exile in the Ottoman Empire. This material was gathered by the author as a result of the development of personal relationships with key figures in the movement, such as Subh-i-Azal and Baha'u'llah, from 1890 onwards. Prior to publication, it was translated into English, where necessary, and properly organised to increase intelligibility. This is a highly informative text that will be of value to anyone with an interest in the development of Babism.

Grace Ellison (d. 1935) was a journalist and suffragette with a fascination for Turkish culture. This book, first published in 1915, is a collection of accounts originally written for the Daily Telegraph about her stay in the harem of a Turkish nobleman. Keen to dispel the sensationalist Western view of the harem, Ellison paints an intimate portrait of the luxurious but secluded life of women in their segregated portion of the household. Subjects covered include fashion, social events, polygamy and the bonds between family members. As well as describing life within the harem, the author provides an impassioned critical commentary on the lives and treatment of women in Turkey, attending a suffragette meeting and discussing the role of religion and nationalism in women's lives. Finishing as the First World War begins, this is a captivating snapshot of Turkish society in transition from the Ottoman era to becoming a modern republic.

Edward Granville Browne (1862-1926) was a British orientalist renowned for his work on Persia. In this volume, published by Cambridge in 1926 as a new edition of the 1893 original, he recounts his impressions of Persian culture following a twelve-month stay in the area during the years 1887-8. The new edition contains an introductory memoir written by Edward Denison Ross, another orientalist and a close friend of the author for more than forty years. Transcending the colonialist ideals of the time in which it was written, the text provides a lively and thought-provoking narrative that is based upon a genuine fascination with Persia and its people. This is an important book that will be of value to anyone with an interest in orientalism, travel writing, and Persian culture.