Iran: A Modern History Audiobook

Quotes

• “For those with an interest in this pivotal and mercurial country, Abbas Amanat’s magisterial study is too important to ignore.”

  — Sunday Times (London)

• “A stately, scholarly study of Iran’s modern development, emphasizing themes of Iranian distinctness from Arab and Western cultures and traditions. Given that the country was overrun constantly and threatened by powerful neighboring forces, from the Arabs to the Russians to the British, how did the Persian Empire resist being subsumed by them, retaining instead its remarkable language, culture, and Shia religion? In his elucidating study…Amanat considers many different factors in the making of Iranian cohesion…Unquestionably comprehensive and accessible enough for dedicated general readers.”

  — KIrkus Reviews

• “The appearance of this comprehensive and flowing narrative history of early modern and modern Iran could not be more timely, given the deep-seated misunderstandings and prejudices that persist regarding that country. Few scholars could be as well placed to write it as Abbas Amanat, who has devoted many decades to studying Iran’s history and culture. This is likely to remain a work of reference that can be appreciated by students as well as interested general readers. An impressive achievement!”

  — Sanjay Subrahmanyam, distinguished professor of history, UCLA

• “This sweeping but richly detailed text is an impressive treatment of the longue duree of Iranian history since 1501. Amanat interweaves narrative with stimulating analysis and commentary on culture, society, and politics in Iran with a skill based on deep scholarship and understanding. It is rare to find a book that will be important for both those new to Iranian studies and those already in the field: the former will find the book an invaluable starting point, and the latter will gain much from engaging with Amanat’s creative and challenging insights and arguments.”

  — Joanna de Groot, University of York