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Gertrude Bell

Persian Pictures: From the Mountains to the Sea

Persian Pictures: From the Mountains to the Sea

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Gertrude Bell's account of a lifetime of travel and a lifelong enchantment of Persia is an evocative meditation that moves between Persia's heroic past and its long decline, the public face of Tehran and the otherworldly secret, mysterious life of the East, the lives of its women, its lush, enclosed gardens, and the bustling cities to the lonely wastelands of Khorasan.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC


Are we the same,I wonder,when all our surroundings,association,acquaintances are changed? I conclude that it is not the person who danced with you at Mansfield St who writes to you today from Persia. Yet there are dregs,English sediment at the bottom of my sherbet,and perhaps they flavour it more than I think. I write to you of Persia: I am not me,that is my only excuse. I am merely pouring out for you some of what I have received in the last two months.

When Gertrude Bell's uncle was appointed Minister in Tehran in 1891, she declared that the great ambition of her life was to visit Persia. Several months later, she did. And so began a lifetime of travel and a lifelong enchantment with what she saw as the romance of the East, which evolved into a deep understanding of its cultures and people. This vivid and impressionistic series of sketches, her first foray into writing, is an evocative meditation that moves between Persia's heroic past and its long decline; the public face of Tehran and the otherworldly secret, mysterious life of the East, the lives of its women, its lush, enclosed gardens; from the bustling cities to the lonely wastelands of Khorasan.

Bell's journey to Persia was not without its challenges. She faced discrimination and hostility from some of the local people, who saw her as an outsider. However, she persevered, determined to explore the country and learn as much as she could about its culture and people.

One of the most striking aspects of Bell's writing is her ability to capture the essence of Persia's landscapes and cities. She describes the bustling streets of Tehran, with its vibrant markets and colorful buildings, as well as the quiet, serene gardens of the royal palaces. She also visits the remote wastelands of Khorasan, where she encounters nomadic tribes and explores the ruins of ancient cities.

Through her writing, Bell also provides a glimpse into the lives of Persia's women. She describes the intricate customs and traditions that govern their daily lives, as well as the challenges they face in a society that is often patriarchal and conservative. She also highlights the role that women play in Persia's cultural and political life, from the poets and artists who inspire them to the political leaders who have fought for their rights.

In addition to her writing, Bell also made significant contributions to the study of Persia's history and culture. She worked closely with local scholars and historians, collecting and preserving artifacts and documents that would help to shed light on the country's past. She also established schools and libraries in Tehran, which would provide education and training to young Persians and help to promote the country's culture and heritage.

Despite the challenges and obstacles that she faced during her time in Persia, Bell's journey was ultimately a transformative experience. She returned to England with a deep appreciation for the country's culture and history, and her writing and advocacy helped to promote a greater understanding of the East and its people.

In conclusion, Gertrude Bell's account of a lifetime of travel and a lifelong enchantment with Persia is a fascinating and evocative meditation on the romance of the East and the complexities of its cultures and people. Through her writing and advocacy, she helped to promote a greater understanding of the East and its people, and her legacy continues to inspire and inform today's travelers and scholars.

Weight: 180g
Dimension: 131 x 198 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788319751

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