Guests descend on Persepolis archaeological dig

Heading: (Iran)
Author:
Title: "Persepolis Guests" (cover title) - original guest book signed and often inscribed by visitors to the archaeological site in Iran
Place Published: Iran
Publisher:
Date Published: c. 1937-1944
Description:

37 pp. with ink signatures and inscriptions, and a few drawings, plus 5 leaves on which are mounted business and calling cards, with additional cards laid in loose; over half the book is unused. 26x20.5 cm (10¼x8"), brown morocco. tooled in gilt, all edges gilt.

Amazing original guest book, kept at the residence of Erich F. Schmidt, German-American archaeologist who spent a number of years at Persepolis, and was involved in aerial exploration of Iranian sites. The last several years, after the outbreak of World War II, the book was transferred to Chicago when Schmidt was obligated to leave Iran. The signers include several hundred Americans, Germans, English, various Europeans, Iranians, and others, many of them expatriates living in Asian or African nations. The 27 mounted calling cards and 15 loose cards are also representative of the broad range of visitors, and include a plain card inscribed in pencil by the American actress Lillian Gish, with her Beverly Hills address. There are also several ink drawings and one watercolor. Provenance: The family of Erich F. Schmidt.
Condition Report: Spine worn and torn, edges worn, front hinge cracked through; contents very good.