INTRODUCTION
IN 1924, the suggestion made to Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahá’í Cause, that an annual reference book be published of Bahá’í activities throughout the world, found acceptance and fulfillment in the BAHÁ’Í YEAR BOOK, published in 1926.
It was believed that if the record of all Bahá’í activity could be gathered together each year and the vital parts of such a record published, the results would be to assist the adherents of the Faith to more unified thought and action as well as disclose to others something of the significance of the worldwide Cause called into being by the Forerunner, the Báb; the Founder, Bahá’u’lláh, and the Exemplar and Interpreter, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Because of the world—Wide extension of the Faith, it was found impracticable to gather material, edit and publish such a book every year. Therefore, in accord with the wish of Shoghi Effendi, the name and period of its publication was changed. Volume II bore the title, “THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD: A Biennial International Record,” and was dated “April 1926-April 1928.”
The manuscripts and illustrations appearing in Volume II were passed upon by Shoghi Effendi, with the exception of certain articles which were Written at his request, by Mr. Horace Holley. In addition to the unique advantage of the Guardian’s editorship the material was arranged by him in the order published.
The present Volume III, THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD, dated April 1928-1930, likewise has received Shoghi Effendi’s unique editorship. This means a book prepared under the personal supervision of the Guardian and Head of the Bahá’í Cause, who is a scholar of both Persian and English, having attended Oxford University. It should prove of inestimable value to students of the Bahá’í Cause.
The exquisite illuminated Persian insert in colors of Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s handwriting, sent by the Guardian for THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD —the artistic beauty of which has well-nigh baffled the skill of craftsmen to reproduce—is an outstanding contribution to Volume III. It reveals the love and devotion of the Bahá’ís of the Orient for the One they called “The Master,” and helps greatly to offset the unavoidable emphasis placed upon the Occidental presentation of the Cause so noticeable in Volumes I and II. The members of the Editorial Committee still feel that undue emphasis is placed upon the activities of the Bahá’ís of the West in comparison with those of the East, which they regret. The student, however, should not overlook nor underestimate the testimony of the many splendid photographs of the Oriental
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Bahá’ís, whose faces manifest the vitalizing power of the Word of Bahá’u’lláh,
and are a source of inspiration to Bahá’ís the world over.
The following letter from Shoghi Effendi, dated Haifa, Palestine, December 6, 1928, regarding Volume II, reveals the importance he attaches to this publication:
To the beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful throughout the East and West- Dear fellow-workers:
I desire to convey to you in a few words my impressions of the recently published BAHÁ’Í WORLD, copies of which, I understand, have already, thanks to the assiduous care and indefatigable efforts displayed by the Publishing Committee of the American National Spiritual Assembly, been widely distributed among the Bahá’í countries of East and West.
This unique record of world-wide Bahá’í activity attempts to present to the general public, as well as to the student and scholar, those historical facts and fundamental principles that constitute the distinguishing features of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to this age. I have, ever since its inception, taken a keen and sustained interest in its development, having personally participated in the collection of its material, the arrangement of its contents, and the close scrutiny of whatever data it contains.
I confidently and emphatically recommend it to every thoughtful and eager follower of the Faith, whether in the East or in the West, whose desire is to place in the hands of the critical and intelligent inquirer, of whatever class, creed or color, a work that can truly witness to the high purpose, the moving history, the enduring achievements, the resistless march and infinite prospects of the Revelation of Bahá’u'lláh. Eminently readable and attractive in its features, reliable and authoritative in the material it contains, up—to-date, comprehensive and accurate in the mass of information it gives, concise and persuasive in its treatment of the fundamental aspects of the Cause, thoroughly representative in the illustrations and photographs it reveals—it stands unexcelled and unapproaehed by any publication of its kind in the varied literature of our beloved Cause. It will, without the slightest doubt, if generously and vigorously supported, arouse unprecedented interest among all classes of civilized society.
I earnestly request you, dearly-beloved friends, to exert the utmost effort for the prompt and widespread circulation of a book that so vividly portrays, in all its essential features, its far-reaching ramifications and most arresting aspects, the all-encompassing Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Whatever assistance, financial or moral, extended by Bahá’í Spiritual Assemblies and individual believers, to those who have been responsible for such a highly valuable and representative production will, it should be remembered, be directly utilized to advance the interests and reinforce the funds that are being raised in behalf of the Mashriqu’l Adhkár, and will indirectly serve to exert a most powerful stimulus in removing the malicious misrepresentations and unfortunate misunderstandings that have so long and so grievously clouded the luminous Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
- Your true brother,
- (Signed) Shoghi.
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In preparation for Volume IV, which is to cover the period from April 1930 to April 1932, Shoghi Effendi, through the Editorial Committee, earnestly requests all Local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and Committees throughout the Bahá’í world, to plan with their respective National Spiritual Assemblies the gathering of suitable material for that volume. Photographs and articles of
interest may be forwarded at any time. Reports to be incorporated in the
“Survey of Current Bahá’í Activities in the East and West” should be in the
hands of the Committee not later than January 1, 1932. The Contents of
Volume III will suggest the various materials desired for such an important and
historic publication as THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD Articles and photographs that
show the present progress of the Cause, as well as records of past events, are
particularly desired.
The members of the Editorial Committee are grateful for the articles, photographs and other information sent in for Volume III. Suggestions for the improvement of the Book will be heartily welcomed.
Correspondence should be addressed to the Editorial Committee, THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD, care of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, N.J., United States of America.
ALBERT WINDUST, Editorial Secretary.
STAFF OF EDITORS, VOLUME III.
AMERICA- Horace Holley, Wanden Mathews LaFarge, Albert Windust, Editorial Secretary, Victoria Bedikian, Photograph Editor.
GREAT BRITAIN— George P. Simpson.
FRANCE- Madame Hesse.
GERMANY- Dr. Hermann Grossmann
SWITZERLAND- Emogene Hoagg.
PALESTINE- Sohail Afnán. Effie Baker, Assistant Photograph Editor.
PERSIA- ‘Abdu’l-Ḥusayn Dihqán.
INDIA AND BURMA- Hishmatu’lláh.
INTERNATIONAL- Martha L. Root.
