An American Martyr in Persia

The Epic Life and Tragic Death of Howard Baskerville

By: Reza Aslan

Narrated by: Reza Aslan

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

The #1 New York Times best-selling author of Zealot recounts the spellbinding tale of an unrecognized American martyr for democracy.

As a student of Woodrow Wilson at Princeton, Howard Baskerville was aflame not only with the gospel of Jesus, but with the Wilsonian gospel that constitutional democracy is the birthright of all nations. Rather than become a small-town minister like his father in South Dakota, he volunteered for missionary service in Persia.

Tabriz in 1907 was a hotbed of democratic revolution. Brilliant young firebrands were among Baskerville’s students at the Presbyterian school—and became his devoted friends. He lectured on freedom; they dedicated their lives to it. Soon he would join them on the battlefield.

Was Howard Baskerville the “American Lafayette” of Iran, or a naive “white savior” stumbling into Persian affairs? Baskerville’s story, like his life, is at the center of a whirlwind, in which Americans must ask themselves, how seriously do we take our ideals of constitutional democracy and whose freedom do we support?

©2022 Reza Aslan (P)2022 Recorded Books

Heroic Story of Selfless Sacrifice

This was a very well written account, one of the first about the life and times of Howard Baskerville. It was well researched, written, and narrated by Reza Aslan. We are the recipients of a message about compassion for our fellow men, standing against oppression, and when faith leaves the pulpit/classroom into the streets and valleys of suffering. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!

Mind blowing story

This is a fascinating story! It is so much more than a story about one man. It is a story of a people and their national heartbeat. Aslan is a masterful storyteller. At times it felt like an episode of game of thrones, and at times I felt these people where my family and friends, all the while keeping true to a historical approach. The insight into the history of a nation currently in such conflict is valuable.

A sweet story that was kind of difficult to follow

Lots of history involving the Persian constitutional revolution which is fascinating, I'm sure, but with so many characters it was difficult to follow the various actors and their motivations. The actual story of Howard Baskerville was sweet and unique and interesting to see the convictions of a young man leading his actions.

Didn't plan on listening to this one...

but the author was in town for a book signing so I downloaded it and then couldn't stop listening to it. As a 5th generation Presbyterian, I was expecting this to be more about the history of the early Presbyterian missionary experience in Persia. Dr. Aslan definitely did his research on the missonary school and it was interesting enough, but he really brought to life the Persian revolution that Baskerville found himself in the midst of upon his arrival. I learned a lot. Another fabulous book by Reza Aslan. His book signing/lecture was great, too. He's a good speaker.

Interesting read but misleading title

I enjoyed this book and the general topic it covered-the events around the Iranian constitutional revolution of the early 1900s. Although there are some chapters about Hugh Baskerville I really don’t see this book as the story of his life and more an outline and history of that revolution.

Never knew he ever lived but what a life

Woodrow Wilson was his professor He imbibed the ideals of self determination and it became part of his Christian ethos and he put his life on the line to realize self determination for the Persian people and there lay it down

Very sad + Inspiring

With Iran in revolution now this early 1900's history of Iran's fight for constitutional democracy was sad and inspiring. Doubly interesting to me because my grandparents, Annie and Samule Wilson, are part of the story.

Sometimes I had trouble keeping track of the various Iranian heroes and villains but I appreciated the amazing amount of research that allowed the telling of this story.
The mix of Russian, British and US domination combined with US idealism also seems current.

detailed research

detailed research of a significant event in Iran's historywhich changed the history with global impacts till today . enjoyable listening covering