The Iranians Persia, Islam and the Soul of a Nation

by Mackey, Sandra; Harrop, Scott

• ISBN13: 9780452275638
• ISBN10: 0452275636
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-04-01
• Publisher: Plume

Summary

The Iranians explores Iran in the context of its old and complex culture, for throughout its 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. • Plume edition will contain a new epilogue by Sandra Mackey, reflecting on the results of the spring 1997 Iranian elections. • Hardcover edition received enormous press coverage and increased Mackey's already prominent visibility. • Highly readable and aimed at the nonspecialist.

Author Biography

Sandra 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.

Table of Contents

Author's Note
Preface
Introduction	p. 1
The Glory of Persia	p. 13
The Invasion of Islam	p. 40
God and State	p. 66
The Faces of Authority: Father, King, and Cleric	p. 93
King and Nation: Iran's First Revolution	p. 123
Reza Shah: To the Glory of the Nation	p. 157
The Shah and the Prime Minister: Iran's Second Revolution	p. 187
The Shah and the Ayatollah: Persia and Islam	p. 211
The Persian Empire of Muhammad Reza Shah	p. 239
The Double Revolution	p. 271
The Internal and External: Wars for the Iranian Nation	p. 301
Islamic Government: Religion, Culture, and Power	p. 334
The Islamic Republic of Iran: The Failed Quest for Justice	p. 350
Epilogue	p. 381
Endnotes	p. 393
Selected Bibliography	p. 404
Index	p. 411
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