Originally published in 1966, this book forms the companion volume to A Modern Persian Prose Reader (Cambridge, 1968). It provides a series of concise, accessible essays reflecting on the development of Persian fiction during the modern period. The structure of the text is broadly chronological, with chapters allocated to key authors, literary movements, and social changes. A long second section is devoted to the work of Sadeq Hidayat (1903-1951), regarded by many as Iran's foremost writer of prose fiction and short stories. This is a fascinating book that will be of value to anyone with an interest in Persian literature.