Martha Root and the Tiny Books

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In 1912, Martha Root often attended talks by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the leader of the Bahá’í Faith at that time, as he traveled in North America. She arranged for him to speak in Pittsburgh, where she lived. She even met with him, and listening to him filled Martha with longing to spread his message of love and unity.

She was so eager that she wrote to him in 1918, suggesting she go on a world tour to share the Bahá’í Faith. His answer thrilled her. By 1919, at age 47, she was stuffing her bags with books and pamphlets to set off for South America. 

Martha, an experienced journalist, went to the newspaper office after she landed in Brazil. Through news stories, she explained her purpose—as she would throughout her future travels. “If any one feels timid about asking opportunities to speak ...” she once said, “remember that no day comes twice ...” Martha found plenty of opportunities. She gathered people into study classes and spoke to clubs, colleges, and community leaders. She once gave 25 talks in about a week!

Martha traveled and ate as cheaply as possible, spending little on herself. She spoke to crowds around the world. Her talks were simple and given with love. Her message went straight to listeners’ hearts. They were touched by her warmth and the light in her eyes. At times, her talks ended with the audience surrounding her.

One of Martha's lifelong friends was a Bahá’í named Roy Wilhelm, a wealthy coffee merchant who lived in New Jersey. At that time, little Bahá’í literature was available, and copies of prayers and tablets were typewritten and shared from friend to friend. Roy wanted to make the sacred texts more widely available. He wrote collections of teachings and had them translated into a number of languages. He printed hundreds of thousands of Bahá’í pamphlets over his lifetime.

Roy produced two very small books to be used for teaching the Faith. They were called “Big Ben” and “Little Ben”. ‘Abdu’l-Baha called the books “exceedingly praiseworthy” and asked for 100 to be sent to him. Martha carried many copies of “Little Ben” and “Big Ben” around the world, since they were so small she could fit hundreds in her luggage!

 

Create Your Own Tiny Books

 

You'll Need: White paper (11 x 17 inches), scissors, decorative paper, ribbon or string (optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write your favorite prayers, quotes, and Bahá’í teachings in your tiny books and share them with friends and neighbors. 

Updated on 9.30.20