Journal of a Residence in England, and of a Journey from and to Syria, of their Royal Highnesses Reeza Koolee Meerza, Najaf Koolee Meerza, and Taymoor Meerza, of Persia. To which are prefixed some particulars respecting modern Persia, and the death of the late Shah. Originally written in Persian, By H.R.H. Najaf Koolee Meerza, Son of Prince Firman Firman, Grandson of H.M. Fathali Shah, the late Emperor of Persia; and translated, with explanatory notes, by Assaad Y. Kayat.

London: Printed for Private Circulation only, [1839]. First edition, two volumes, 8vo, pp.xxiii, 306, folding frontis; [vi, titles and contents], 291. Half-titles present. A very good set in original gilt and blind decorated cloth, gilt lettering to spines. Spines slightly sun faded, and corners and spines slightly bumped. Wide margins untrimmed. Unblemished and tight internally. A fascinating account of the journey of three young Persian princes through Europe to England in 1836 with the goal of freeing their father from British detention. Firmân Firmân, their father, was involved in a succession crisis over the throne of Persia and lost out to the British backed claimant, subsequently being detained by the British in Tehran. This account offers a fine narrative of their journey alongside description complex political situation in Persia. Between leaving and returning to Syria, the princes visited not just England, but also Belgium, Prussia, Austria, Hungary, Walachia, Turkey, Baghdad, Lebanon, and Egypt. What is perhaps most interesting is the reaction of the princes to British culture and the culture shock they experienced. They provide numerous insightful details from a Middle Eastern perspective, for example: Assaad Yacoob Kayat (1811-1865) was the translator and guide who accompanied the three princes on their voyage, and subsequently translated the journal of one, Najaf Meerza, into English in this present work. He was a Syrian Christian who would later return to stay in England, becoming naturalised in 1846. He studied at St George's Medical School in London in 1843 and published his autobiography in 1847.