Book excerpt: Of all the historical, religious and cultural events in the history of the United States, the arrival of 'Abdu'l-Bahá in 1912 was the most important one of all. Many people-from all facets of society-had the honor to meet Him, attend His talks, benefit from His wisdom and witness His benevolence and humility. Their encounter with 'Abdu'l-Bahá was life-altering: He touched the depths of their souls and awakened them spiritually. This re-telling of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's days in New York City is both inspiring and illuminating. It is intended to bring you closer to this unique figure in spiritual history, whose life will serve as a model of the true spiritual and ethical life for centuries to come. Dr. Ahdieh and Mr. Chapman are co-authors of Awakening: A History of the Bahá'í and Bábi Faiths in Nayriz, A Way Out of No Way: Harlem Prep: Transforming Dropouts into Scholars, 1967-1977, The Calling: Tahirih of Persia and Her American Contemporaries, Foreigner: From an Iranian Village to New York City and the Lights That Led the Way, and The Chosen Path: Tahirih of Persia and her Search for God.