The Babi and Baha'i Religions

From Bahaikipedia

The rise and development of the Bahá'í Faith from the messianic Bábí movement in nineteenth-century Iran to become an independent religion established in many countries and commanding the devotion of people from many different cultures provides a vivid example of religious change in the modern world. The process is more fully documented than is the case in any other religion and Peter Smith is able to trace in detail the emergence of the major beliefs and values in their social and historical contexts.

Beginning with the process set in motion by the Bábí movement in the heart of Shí'í Islam, the book examines the origin of the Bahá'í Faith and its dominant religious concerns in Qajar Iran, its initial establishment and subsequent growth in the United States, the development of its administration and its present global expansion. A conclusion outlines future prospects.