A compelling portrait of Mírzá ʻAlí-Akbar-i-Nakhjavání (1865–1920) brings to life an early believer whose close friendship with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá shaped the course of the Bahá’í Faith. As a gifted translator of Tablets into Russian and a correspondent—at ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s behest—with luminaries like Leo Tolstoy and Isabella Grinevskaya, his story culminates in his place within the Master’s 1912 North American entourage. Intimate details of their interactions reveal ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s deep affection for this young gentleman of the Caucasus.

More than a straightforward biography, this volume is a son’s loving tribute, enriched by decades of document gathering. Newly translated Tablets addressed to Mírzá ʻAlí-Akbar and other believers in Bākú sit alongside personal letters, archival photographs and supplementary historical records, weaving a textured narrative of loyalty, service and cross-cultural engagement.

Through this finely crafted compilation, insights emerge into the early Bahá’í community of Bākú, illuminating its vibrant personalities and complex social milieu. The life of this singular figure unfolds as a window onto the formative years of a global faith and its pioneering spirit.