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The Pearl of Khorasan: A History of Herat

Description:

The city of Herat in western Afghanistan long sat at the edge of empires and served as a hub for trade and a conduit for armies. Yet it has been much more than simply a staging post or plaything of political ambition. It has been an imperial capital, a city of extraordinary wealth, and has played host to a cultural renaissance to rival that of Florence. The Pearl of Khorasan tells the history of this storied oasis city, from the invasions of Chingiz Khan in 1221 to the present day. An epilogue assesses the challenges Herat faces in the wake of Afghanistan's recent turmoil.

Throughout Herat's cycles of conquest and habitation, several patterns emerge: the primacy of geography; the city's strong identification with the fertility of the banks of the Hari River; and its reputation as a place of theological excellence, tolerance and cultural refinement. From the luminescent genius of the Timurid century to the destruction and cultural vandalism associated with the Taliban's rule of Afghanistan and the post-9/11 conflict, Herat has hosted empires and experienced the cupidity and lust for power of foreign agents. Using Persian, Pashto and British sources, the author paints a vivid picture of a city in which he has lived, presenting a personal vision of its tumultuous history.

Read more

Review

'Gammell masterfully succeeds in cutting through the complexities of the dynasties that have ruled the city ... Gammell's book, which masterfully weaves together the complex threads of Herat's history, culture and politics, is a beguiling and authoritative work and a valuable addition to the modern literature on Afghanistan.'

― Literary Review

'This presents an impressive piece of scholarship, and will be useful to scholars of the region.'

― CHOICE

'At a time when there is not much to be celebrated in Afghanistan, The Pearl of Khorasan is an absolute delight: a book of joy and wonder. Captivating from start to finish, this beautifully written history is a love letter to Herat through its many triumphs and tragedies, from the devastation wrought by Genghis Khan in 1221 and the poetry-filled glories of the Timurid era to the turbulence of today.'

― Justin Marozzi, author of Baghdad: City of Peace, City of Blood

'The Pearl of Khorasan will be the definitive English-language history of a fascinating place for many years to come. It is erudite, compassionate, respectful and funny. If books are divided into those that need to be written, and those that don't, Mr Gammell has written a book that not only needed to be written, but is also a joy to read.'

― Radosław Sikorski, Poland's former Marshal of the Sejm and Minister of Foreign Affairs

'Charlie Gammell's fine book about Afghanistan's most romantic city will enlighten and stimulate anyone who is interested in Central Asia and the rise and fall of cities. Accessible, scholarly and judicious, The Pearl of Khorasan is a triumph.'

― Christopher de Bellaigue, author of The Islamic Enlightenment: The Struggle between Faith and Reason, 1798 to Modern Times

'Charlie Gammell has written a pearl of a book. His summary of Herat's splendid past is delightful reading. His adroit handling of the intricate political posturing of recent years is his unique contribution. His perfect knowledge of Dari plus four years residence among the people involved guarantees a vivid and spellbinding text.'

― Nancy Dupree, Director of the Afghanistan Centre, Kabul University

About the Author

Educated at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, C. P. W. Gammell is a historian of Afghanistan and Iran who has written widely on Herat’s history. He has worked in Afghanistan and Iran since 2009, including interpreting Dari and Pashtu for the International Committee of the Red Cross and advising UNESCO. A former British diplomat, he appears regularly on Sky News, BBC Persian and a range of podcasts, among others.

Details:

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The Pearl of Khorasan: A History of Herat

Product ID: K1805264451
Condition: New

BHD2393

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

This item qualifies for free delivery

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Imported From: United Kingdom

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

Every product in the BOLO catalogue is sourced through our Verified Global Supply Network of verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of Bahrain. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the Bahrain will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in Bahrain are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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Visit the C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd Store

The Pearl of Khorasan: A History of Herat

Product ID: K1805264451
Condition: New
The Pearl of Khorasan: A History of Herat-0
Type: Paperback

BHD2393

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

This item qualifies for free delivery

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United Kingdom

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

Every product in the BOLO catalogue is sourced through our Verified Global Supply Network of verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of Bahrain. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the Bahrain will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in Bahrain are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

The city of Herat in western Afghanistan long sat at the edge of empires and served as a hub for trade and a conduit for armies. Yet it has been much more than simply a staging post or plaything of political ambition. It has been an imperial capital, a city of extraordinary wealth, and has played host to a cultural renaissance to rival that of Florence. The Pearl of Khorasan tells the history of this storied oasis city, from the invasions of Chingiz Khan in 1221 to the present day. An epilogue assesses the challenges Herat faces in the wake of Afghanistan's recent turmoil.

Throughout Herat's cycles of conquest and habitation, several patterns emerge: the primacy of geography; the city's strong identification with the fertility of the banks of the Hari River; and its reputation as a place of theological excellence, tolerance and cultural refinement. From the luminescent genius of the Timurid century to the destruction and cultural vandalism associated with the Taliban's rule of Afghanistan and the post-9/11 conflict, Herat has hosted empires and experienced the cupidity and lust for power of foreign agents. Using Persian, Pashto and British sources, the author paints a vivid picture of a city in which he has lived, presenting a personal vision of its tumultuous history.

Read more

Review

'Gammell masterfully succeeds in cutting through the complexities of the dynasties that have ruled the city ... Gammell's book, which masterfully weaves together the complex threads of Herat's history, culture and politics, is a beguiling and authoritative work and a valuable addition to the modern literature on Afghanistan.'

― Literary Review

'This presents an impressive piece of scholarship, and will be useful to scholars of the region.'

― CHOICE

'At a time when there is not much to be celebrated in Afghanistan, The Pearl of Khorasan is an absolute delight: a book of joy and wonder. Captivating from start to finish, this beautifully written history is a love letter to Herat through its many triumphs and tragedies, from the devastation wrought by Genghis Khan in 1221 and the poetry-filled glories of the Timurid era to the turbulence of today.'

― Justin Marozzi, author of Baghdad: City of Peace, City of Blood

'The Pearl of Khorasan will be the definitive English-language history of a fascinating place for many years to come. It is erudite, compassionate, respectful and funny. If books are divided into those that need to be written, and those that don't, Mr Gammell has written a book that not only needed to be written, but is also a joy to read.'

― Radosław Sikorski, Poland's former Marshal of the Sejm and Minister of Foreign Affairs

'Charlie Gammell's fine book about Afghanistan's most romantic city will enlighten and stimulate anyone who is interested in Central Asia and the rise and fall of cities. Accessible, scholarly and judicious, The Pearl of Khorasan is a triumph.'

― Christopher de Bellaigue, author of The Islamic Enlightenment: The Struggle between Faith and Reason, 1798 to Modern Times

'Charlie Gammell has written a pearl of a book. His summary of Herat's splendid past is delightful reading. His adroit handling of the intricate political posturing of recent years is his unique contribution. His perfect knowledge of Dari plus four years residence among the people involved guarantees a vivid and spellbinding text.'

― Nancy Dupree, Director of the Afghanistan Centre, Kabul University

About the Author

Educated at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, C. P. W. Gammell is a historian of Afghanistan and Iran who has written widely on Herat’s history. He has worked in Afghanistan and Iran since 2009, including interpreting Dari and Pashtu for the International Committee of the Red Cross and advising UNESCO. A former British diplomat, he appears regularly on Sky News, BBC Persian and a range of podcasts, among others.

Details:

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