Vol 3: supplement to Vol 2	Vol. 2: Shahr-e-Yazd	Vol 1: Khalk-e-Yazd

This three-volume set, by noted Iranian scholar Iraj Afshar, was commissioned by the Yazd Cultural Heritage Society and the Shah of Iran, is a comprehensive history of anything to do with the state of Yazd, including all the cities, towns and villages:

This set is limited to 1000 copies, so it is very rare.  It was originally published by Tehran University Press (photos by Bahman Publishing) in 1348 (1969 C.E.).  In fact, Persian scholars and historians will be amused to note that on Page 14 of Volume 2, Afshar makes note of a "young American" named Michael Bonine who lived in Yazd for 18 months -- he is now an internationally famous professor of geography with many publications of his own!

It is not known what inspired Afshar to conduct such extensive research on Yazd, though he mentions speaking with a longtime friend about the region.  I do recall that he accompanied a British friend on a walk one day (I can't remember if it was Hillenbrandt or Stronach), who remarked that Yazd was a treasure trove of Achmanid and Sassanid artifacts.  This probably wasn't the only reason, but this is definitely an undertaking that would be nearly impossible to re-create -- it would be comparable to re-making one of the big-budget Hollywood classic films such as Cleopatra or The Ten Commandments --  in this day and age.

These books contain many building plans, most of which are fold-out pages to provide additional detail.  These were either provided by the Yazd Cultural Heritage Society or came from Afshar's extensive personal archive.  It is known that Afshar was generous with his files and shared them with other researchers.

These hardcover books are very definitely used. All the pages are intact; however, the dust jackets indicate significant wear from age and use, and there is some yellowing of the pages.  There is light pencil writing inside, but the books are still very readable.  The sheer depth of research and detail makes this set the most comprehensive record of the history of Yazd ever written -- it is of great value to students of architecture, anthropology, history, and journalism.  It is not casual reading, but for in-depth scholarship you couldn't ask for a better reference.

The text is entirely in Persian.  Volume 1 is the one in most obviously used condition.  The only page missing is the Shah's portrait, since it was sent out of Iran after 1979.  The dust jacket is practically unuseable, but will be provided.  The cover is also worn, but is intact.  754 pages and 14 chapters

Volume 2 is in better condition than Volume 1; again, the dust jacket shows its age, but the cover is in good condition and the pages are intact.  It is a continuation of Volume 1 in terms of content and detail.  In addition to sketches and building plans, Volume 2 also contains reproductions of some original letters from the oqaf (the organization which looks after mosques and spiritual places).  928 pages and 22 chapters.

The last book is a supplement to Volume 2.  It is entirely made up of photographs to illustrate Volume 2.  It begins on page 931 and ends at page 1455.  All the monuments, buildings and other structures described in Volume 2 -- even the grave markers -- are shown in this supplement.  This volume also contains an extensive bibliography and references, and provides an index.

Combined weight of three books:  10 pounds (about 4.5 kilograms).