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The Iranians

Persia, Islam and the Soul of a Nation

Author Sandra Mackey, Scott Harrop
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Paperback
$30.00 US
Penguin Adult HC/TR | Plume
On sale Apr 01, 1998 | 464 Pages | 9780452275638
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WITH A NEW AFTERWORD BY THE AUTHOR

“A tour de force of intellectual comprehension, summary, and balance.”—Washington Times

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.
Author'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

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. View titles by Sandra Mackey
Scott Harrop View titles by Scott Harrop

About

WITH A NEW AFTERWORD BY THE AUTHOR

“A tour de force of intellectual comprehension, summary, and balance.”—Washington Times

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.

Table of Contents

Author'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

Author

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. View titles by Sandra Mackey
Scott Harrop View titles by Scott Harrop

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