The Iranians

Description

Throughout its long and complex history, Iran has struggled with two warring identities—one evolving from the values, social organization, and arts of ancient Persia, the other from Islam.

By examining the relationship between these two identities, The Iranians explains how the revolution of 1979 came about, why the Islamic Republic has failed, and how Iran today is on the brink of chaos. In this defining portrait of a troubled nation and the forces that shape it, Iranian history and religion become accessible to the nonspecialist. Combining impeccable scholarship with the human insight of firsthand observations, The Iranians provides vital understanding of this unique and pivotal nation.

WITH A NEW AFTERWORD BY THE AUTHORAuthor’s Note
Preface
Introduction

Part I
1. The Glory of Persia
2. The Invasion of Islam
3. God and State

Part II
4. The Faces of Authority: Father, King and Cleric
Part III
5. King and Nation: Iran’s First Revolution
6. Reza Shah: To the Glory of the Nation
7. The Shah and the Prime Minister: Iran’s Second Revolution
8. The Shah and the Ayatollah: Persia and Islam
9. The Persian Empire of Muhammad Reza Shah

Part IV
10. The Double Revolution
11. The Internal and External: Wars for the Iranian Nation
12. Islamic Government: Religion, Culture and Power
13. The Islamic Republic of Iran: The Failed Quest for Justice

Epilogue
Afterword to the Plume Edition
Endnotes
Selected Bibliography
Index

“A tour de force of intellectual comprehension, summary, and balance.”—Washington Times
 
“Well-written and informative.”—New York Times
 
“An engrossing blend of history and reportage.”—Publishers Weekly
 
“A treasure trove of information on Iranian civilization from Cyrus the Great to the present… The West needs to understand Iran, and this work makes great headway in that direction: it is comprehensive but also discusses Persian history and religion in depth, thereby making it useful to the specialist and nonspecialist alike.”—Library Journal
 
“Given the depth of ignorance that pervades U.S. policy and opinion toward Iran, anything that can contribute to greater popular understanding of Iranian culture, history, and politics is welcome… One can only hope that the history of Western involvement in Iranian politics will help readers understand the West—specifically the U.S.—as a problem. Such an understanding could teach readers as much about our soul as about Iran’s soul.”—Booklist
 
“A richly detailed analysis of the complex historical and ideological forces that drive this large and powerful nation… By touring the wide panorama of Iranian times and space with Mackey, we can appreciate why ‘Teheran is Iran’s brain, Qom is its soul, and cherished Isfahan its heart.’ An essential resource for anyone concerned with this crucial region’s geopolitics, culture or religion.”—Kirkus ReviewsSandra Mackey is a highly respected expert on Middle Eastern culture and politics who has reported for many periodicals, and has appeared on Nightline, ABC News with Peter Jennings, and NPR. She also served as a commentator for CNN on the Gulf War. She is the author of three previous books, including The Saudis and Passion and Politics: The Turbulent World of the Arabs. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.US

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