Journey to a Mountain - The Story of the Shrine of the Bab Vol. I: 1850-1921 - (e-book £7.50)

The dramatic story of the establishment of the Shrine of the Báb, told here in detail for the first time.

‘An exhilarating read, a meticulously researched work . . .  I was drawn in and needed to continue.’ - Dr Janet A. Khan, author of Prophet’s Daughter

This is the thrilling story of the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, which stands in exquisite garden terraces on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Shrine of the Báb is a symbol of the Bahá’í Faith, a world religion that envisions a peaceful global society based on the principle of the oneness of humanity.

For the first time the dramatic story of the establishment of the Shrine is told in detail. Never-before-seen photos and maps illustrate the often pulsating narrative.

By uncovering materials in English, Persian and Turkish, and by piecing together vital pieces of information, a compelling story has emerged of astounding achievement amidst great peril. It begins with the rescue of the sacred remains of the great spiritual leader, the Báb, Who had been executed in Persia in 1850 for His teachings.

Heart-stopping moments of apprehension punctuate the next 48 years as the casket containing the remains are hidden from those wanting to destroy them.

Then comes the highly secret process of carrying the casket across mountains, desert and sea to the Holy Land. Waiting for them is a prisoner of the Ottoman Empire, the commanding and charismatic ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844–1921).

He builds a Shrine in the heart of Mount Carmel where, in 1909, He inters the sacred remains of the Báb. By so doing, He fulfilled a directive issued in 1891 by the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’u’lláh (1817–1892).

This stand-alone book will soon be followed by two others taking the story up to the early years of the 21st century.

About the Author

Michael V. Day is an award-winning newspaper journalist who was the editor of the Bahá’í World News Service at the Bahá’í World Centre in Haifa, Israel from 2003 to 2006, where he lived and worked within a few hundred metres of the Shrine of the Báb. Born and raised in New Zealand, he was briefly a lawyer before becoming a newspaper reporter, leader writer and editor. He first visited the Shrine of the Báb while on pilgrimage in 1980. After moving to Australia in 1988 with his wife, Chris, and sons Thomas and George, he was a journalist with Murdoch University in Perth before joining the staff of The West Australian newspaper where he was an education and feature writer. He was then appointed the newspaper’s Asia Desk Chief, specializing in covering Indonesia. He is currently a part-time staff member of the Office of External Affairs of the Australian Bahá’í Community. He is continuing to write on Bahá’í topics, especially aspects of the Faith’s history. Michael and Chris live in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

More information can be found on the author's website www.michaelvday.com

An interview with the author on New Zealand radio can be heard at  www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/nights/audio/201850579/michael-day-baha-i-faith

The author was interviewed by Baha'i blog which can be found here bahaiblog.net/site/2017/07/journey-mountain-new-book-telling-story-shrine-bab/

Pages: 256 
Dimensions: 234 x 156 mm (9.75 x 6.25 ins)
Weight: 520 g
ISBN: 978-0-85398-603-4