The Priceless Pearl
- 2nd rev ed
- London Baha'i Publishing Trust 2000
- 498 p. illus, index
The Priceless Pearl is an appraisal of the life and work of Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith. The panorama of his life, so filled with sorrow and drama, victory and crisis, stretches through the pages of this book in a memorable and moving tale of historic events. This biography—which serves as a tribute to a unique and far-visioned figure in Bahá’í history—was penned by Ruhiyyih Rabbani, the wife of Shoghi Effendi, who served him tirelessly as his personal secretary, who was appointed by him a Hand of the Cause of God, and who he stated had been his “shield” during difficult days in his life. -
Contents 1. The Childhood and Youth of Shoghi Effendi 2. The Passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Its Immediate Consequences 3. Early Years of The Guardianship 4. Martha Root and Queen Marie of Rumania 5. The Principle of Light and Shadow 6. Facets of Shoghi Effendi's Personality 7. The Deepest Ties 8. Intimate Glimpses 9. War 10. The Writings of the Guardian 11. The Development of the International Institutions of the Faith 12. The Rise of the World Centre 13. The Rise of the Administrative Order 14. Guiding Lines 15. The Prosecution of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Divine Plan 16. A Unique Ministry
An appraisal of Shoghi Effendi's life and work by Rúhíyyih Rabbání (née Mary Sutherland Maxwell) who, after her marriage to the Guardian served as his personal secretary and was appointed by him a Hand of the Cause of God. The view she brings to her subject is therefore unique in its depth and understanding. This edition includes additional photographs that initially appeared in her work The Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith.