The Court and People of Persia

John Kitto retrained as a printer and as a young man spent 3 ½ years in Baghdad, assisting the missionaries in the area, and writing every chance he had. His inquisitiveness and studious behavior brought about the two books in this set, that open the door to a culture that is strange to European and Western people, but important to know about in this day and age. Because the work was published in 1850, there has been extensive updating of the language, and an index has been added as well as some subheadings to enable finding things easier. These works are very easy to read and quite interesting.

The Court of Persia covers the various aspects of being a king and of the king’s court in the ancient country of Persia. The King’s clothing, habits, lifestyle, and thoughts are clearly explained, and comparisons made to Esther’s husband as well as the Hebrew kings. Understanding Persian royalty enables a deeper understanding of the Biblical kings and what they did.

The People of Persia covers the lifestyle and habits of the Persian people and relates many of them to Biblical references. It also explains the origin of the Sunni and Shia and general character of the Persian people.