Iran

A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind
$16.95
Michael Axworthy's excellent 2008 "A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind" covers 3,000 years of Iranian history in less than 300 pages. His approach is sensitive and generally even-handed, reflecting an interest in Iran that in places borders on reverence. The result is a nuanced narrative accessible to the general reader and the student of Iranian affairs.

The sub-title, "Empire of the Mind", conveys the central narrative theme that modern Iran is a product of multiple invasions, whether of men or ideas, that have somehow been assimilated without obliterating Iran's cultural and political continuity. Its many contradictions are the product of a civilization founded by Aryan immigrants from central Asia, that was overrun by Greek, Roman, Arab and other armies, and is now the principal home of the Shia varient of Islam.

Axworthy traces the impact of the various ruling dynasties, but he also pays close attention to the finer aspects of its culture, especially its poetry. Of most interest to this reviewer was his description of the current government, with its interwoven secular and religious strands.

Axworthy, a former foreign service officer, tries to be evenhanded about the nature of the current regime. The corruption and repression revealed by the June 2009 presidential elections reinforces his idea of a regime both brutal and divided. His handling of the ongoing nuclear crisis is less sure; Axworthy probably undersells both Iran's diplomatic stonewalling and its interest in nuclear weapons.

"A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind" is highly recommended as a concise introduction to the country and its idea of its place in the world.

Hidden Iran: Paradox and Power in the Islamic Republic
$16.00
Good book. A little to broad-brush, I was hoping for a bit more detail on the inner workings of Iranian goverment. Overall, a good one volume introduction to Iran's modern history, domestic politics, and foreign policy. A rather balanced discussion, but Takeyh needs to flesh out his recommendations in the conclusion a bit more.

IRAN The Forgotten Glory
$29.95
This documentary is well presented and tells the history of Iran in an easy to follow way. I recommend this documentary to those who are interested in classical studies, particularly Greek as this documentary touches on the Persian culture parodying that of the Greeks.

There are many documentaries that articulate Greek culture and have underpinnings of them being the superior culture while subtly putting down the Persians. This documentary offers an insight into the other side.

bj

Understanding Iran: Everything You Need to Know, From Persia to the Islamic Republic, From Cyrus to Ahmadinejad
$25.00
As with most of William Polk's books, the author who has spent half a century studying the area brings his exstensive knowledge of the past to us.