Sketches of Persia

A nineteenth-century journey through Persia by a British diplomat who spent a considerable part of his career there.

Sketches of Persia, although published anonymously in 1827, is attributed to Indian diplomat Sir John Malcolm (1769–1833). He was fluent in Persian and was posted to Persia for part of his career. In Volume 1 Malcolm starts his journey in Bombay and finishes in Persepolis.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 of Sketches, Malcolm starts the journey from Bombay, sailing into the Persian Gulf, arriving at Abusheher, where he stays many weeks. From there his party moves inland into the mountains, and finally reaches Shiraz and then Persepolis. Throughout his journey, Malcolm fills this work with his observations about the people he meets, and recounts Persian folk stories and fables.