A History of Modern Iran

A succinct and highly readable narrative of modern Iran from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.

Ervand Abrahamian (Author)

9781316648148, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 23 August 2018

272 pages, 34 b/w illus. 2 maps 14 tables
22.9 x 15.4 x 1.3 cm, 0.46 kg

'The book's greatest achievement is that it helps the reader to straightforwardly navigate historical events since late nineteenth century that have shaped today's Iran. [It] unquestionably is a distinguished reference for those looking for a beautifully written narrative of contemporary history of Iran.' Seyed Ali Alavi, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

In a radical reappraisal of Iran's modern history, Ervand Abrahamian traces the country's traumatic journey from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day, through the discovery of oil, imperial interventions, the rule of the Pahlavis, and the birth of the Islamic Republic. The first edition was named the Choice Outstanding Academic Title in 2009. This second edition brings the narrative up to date, with the Green uprisings of 2009, the second Ahmadinejad administration, the election of Rouhani, and the Iran nuclear deal. Ervand Abrahamian, who is one of the most distinguished historians writing on Iran today, is a compassionate expositor, and at the heart of the book is the people of Iran, who have endured and survived a century of war and revolution.

Introduction, 1. 'Royal despots': state and society under the Qajars
2. Reform, revolution, and the Great War
3. The iron fist of Reza Shah
4. The nationalist interregnum
5. Muhammad Reza Shah's White Revolution
6. The Islamic Republic
Notes
Bibliography
Further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], Middle Eastern history [HBJF1]