Persia and the Persian Question

Later viceroy of India, George Curzon (1859–1925) published this highly regarded two-volume work on Persia in 1892, following his travels in the country. Convinced of the political importance of this region as a buffer against Russian influence, Curzon gives an overview of Persian history, society, geography and politics.

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Following his election to Parliament, George Nathaniel Curzon (1859–1925) embarked on extensive travels and research in Asia, spending several months in Persia in 1889–90. Later viceroy of India, Curzon believed that growing Russian influence in Asia threatened Britain's interests, and that Persia was an important buffer state. Highly regarded upon publication in 1892, this illustrated two-volume work is a mix of history, geography, travel narrative, and social and political analysis. Intended to educate readers at home as to Persia's strategic significance, the work reflects its author's staunch support for British imperialism. Volume 2 covers Curzon's travels from Tehran down to the Persian Gulf, and gives an overview of Persia's southern and eastern provinces. As well as discussing Persepolis and other ruins, Curzon covers Persian trade and industry, as well as Russian and British policy towards the country. His Problems of the Far East (1894) is also reissued in this series.