Description

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). In Volume 1, Malcolm starts the journey from Bombay, sailing into the Persian Gulf, and then travelling inland into the mountains, and finally reaching Shiraz and then Persepolis. Volume 2 takes him through the Cashan desert to Sennah. Throughout his journey, Malcolm fills this work with his observations about the people he meets, and recounts Persian folk stories and fables.