Embark on a captivating journey through time and culture with "In the Land of the Lion and Sun, or, Modern Persia" by C. J. Wills. Experience the rich tapestry of life in Persia from 1866 to 1881, as recounted by an intrepid explorer. But amidst the exotic landscapes and vibrant traditions, questions linger: What secrets lie hidden beneath the surface of modern Persia, and what tales of adventure await? Join C. J. Wills as he navigates the complexities of Persian society, from bustling bazaars to majestic palaces. Each chapter is a window into a world steeped in history and teeming with colorful characters. As you journey alongside Wills, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of intrigue and discovery. Could his experiences offer insights into the soul of a nation, or are they merely snapshots of a bygone era? Are you ready to embark on an odyssey through the heart of Persia with "In the Land of the Lion and Sun"? Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of a land shrouded in mystery. Let Wills' adventures inspire you to seek out the wonders that await beyond the horizon. Join the expedition into the unknown. Secure your copy of "In the Land of the Lion and Sun" now and discover the magic of modern Persia for yourself. Step into a world where history comes alive. Purchase "In the Land of the Lion and Sun" today and journey through time to a land of wonder and enchantment.

No American reporter has more experience covering Iran or more access to the private corners of Iranian society than Elaine Sciolino. As a correspondent for Newsweek and The New York Times, she has reported on the key events of the past two decades. She was aboard the airplane that brought Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to Tehran in 1979; she was there for the Iranian revolution, the hostage crisis, the Iran-Iraq war, the rise of President Mohammad Khatami, and the riots of the summer of 1999. In Persian Mirrors, Sciolino takes us into the public and private spaces of Iran -- the bazaars, beauty salons, aerobics studios, courtrooms, universities, mosques, and the presidential palace -- to capture the vitality of a society so often misunderstood by Americans. She demystifies a country of endless complexity where, on the streets, women swathe themselves in black and, behind high walls, they adorn themselves with makeup and jewelry; where the laws of Islam are the law of the land, and yet the government advertises as tourist attractions the ruins of the pre-Islamic imperial capital at Persepolis and the synagogue where Queen Esther is said to be buried; and where even the most austere clerics recite sensual romantic poetry, insisting that it refers to divine, and not earthly, love. Iran is also a place with a dark side, where unpredictable repression is carried out, officially and unofficially, by forces intent on maintaining power and influence. Sciolino deftly uses her travels throughout Iran and her encounters with its people to portray the country as an exciting, daring laboratory where experiments with two highly volatile chemicals -- Islam and democracy -- are being conducted. Like the mirror mosaics found in Iran's royal palaces and religious shrines, there is more to the whole of the country than the fragments revealed to outsiders. Persian Mirrors captures this elusive Iran. Sciolino paints in astonishing detail and rich color the surprising inner life of this country, where a great battle is raging, not for control over territory but for the soul of the nation.