A young man from Ispahan navigates the volatile social and political landscape of early 19th-century Persia through a series of opportunistic encounters. Following the life of Hajji Baba, the narrative tracks his transition from a barber's son to a court official, soldier, and merchant. He faces constant threats from corrupt officials, rival tribes, and his own lack of moral fortitude. The story is presented as a first-person account, utilizing a picaresque framework that emphasizes wit and survival over traditional character growth. The world is defined by rigid social hierarchies and the unpredictable nature of Persian governance during the Qajar dynasty.

Readers and critics often identify this work as a significant example of Western satire directed at Eastern society during the colonial era. Discussion frequently centers on the balance between Morier's observational humor and the potential for cultural caricature. Many readers highlight the fast-paced nature of the protagonist's misfortunes, which keeps the narrative momentum high despite its length. Critics often note the effectiveness of the world-building in capturing the atmosphere of the period, even if the perspective remains distinctly European. The text remains a subject of interest for those studying the history of the novel and cross-cultural literary representation.