The Priceless Pearl - by Hand of the Cause Ruhiyyih Khanum

The Priceless Pearl, although biographical in treatment, is what the author prefers to call an appraisal of the life and work of this distinguished, unique and far-visioned man, believing that we stand too near to such a towering figure to assemble, at so early a date, a more detailed record of his achievements.

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, ably portrayed by the pen of one who was not only a Baha'i from birth, but honoured by becoming the wife of the Guardian or her Faith, 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 of his life.

Born Mary Sutherland Maxwell the author grew up in Montreal, Canada; since the passing of her illustrious husband in 1957 she has travelled all over the world, giving public lectures and devoting particular attention to villagers and tribal peoples whom she has made a special point of visiting in Asia, Africa and throughout Latin America.

Her previous book Prescription for Living has been widely read and translated into a number of languages.

(From the back cover of the book)

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
The Childhood and Youth of Shoghi Effendi
The Passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha and its Immediate Consequences
Early Years of the Guardianship
Martha Root and Queen Marie of Rumania
The Principle of Light and Shadow
Facets of Shoghi Effendi's Personality
The Deepest Ties
Intimate Glimpses
War
The Writings of the Guardian
The Development of the International Institutions
of the Faith
The Rise of the World Centre
The Rise of the Administrative Order
Guiding Lines
The Prosecution of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Divine Plan
A Unique Ministry
Index