'These pages will relate the story of Bah?'u'll?h, as well as the story of the retrogression of a nation under the yoke of the Q?j?rs.'

With these words, Mr Balyuzi introduces this biography of the Founder of the Bah?'? Faith.

The life and times of Bah?'u'll?h are presented in their historical setting both in Iran and in the world at large.

Much of its story is taken from the unpublished memoirs of His companions who themselves observed the events they describe. Details are given of Bah?'u'll?h's ancestry and family, His several journeys when banished from Iran, with the names of those who accompanied Him to Constantinople and into the citadel of 'Akk?; the horrific martyrdom of Bad?', His messenger to the Shah; the background of the marriage of 'Abdu'l-Bah?, His eldest son; the machinations of the Azal?s in Constantinople which brought Him anxiety and sorrow in His last years; and the closing months of His life at Bahj?.