This fascinating collection of letters offers a rare glimpse into the life and work of Peter Clement Layard, a British official who served in Turkey and Persia in the 19th century. With his acute observations, keen intellect, and witty style, Layard provides a vivid portrait of the politics, culture, and society of the Middle East during a period of great change. Whether you are a scholar or simply curious about the history of the region, this book is a treasure trove of insights and information.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.