Taking the reader along on a journey through southern and central Persia – present-day Iran – the polymathic Copley Amory Jr. proves an able tour guide. Extracting the essence of travel in Iran during the early twentieth century, Amory approaches the subject with humor and a sense of the importance of his personal undertaking. Generously illustrated, the travelogue takes the reader from Tehran south through Isfahan, Pasargadae, Persepolis, (two ancient capitals of Persia), Shiraz, Shapur, Kerman, and finally home. Along the way, the culture of “tribes and tents” is described, as well as a plucky misadventure involving encounters with camel caravans and excessive automobile troubles. Written in a witty and engaging style, this account of a classic journey contains an education in the history and customs of a vanishing way of life.

Copley Amory Jr. (1890-1964) was a relative of the noted American artist John Singleton Copley. A “man of leisure,” Amory had wide interests and a sense of social responsibility. He worked with the Smithsonian Institution on many expeditions, making contributions to various fields of knowledge.