The five manuscripts depicted in this volume - painted for the Shahs themselves between 1522 and 1565 - represent the flower of the Persian miniature styles. In the text, the author describes th historical development of the Safavid rule, and his commentaries on the paintings both illuminate the narrative and place the pictures themselves in the larger context of Persian painting.

(Key Words: Persia, Persian Art, Shahs, Safavid Dynasty, Iran, Manuscripts, Royalty).