A History of Modern Iran by Ervand Abrahamian

 

“Ervand Abrahamian has done for Iran what de Tocqueville did for France, showing how the revolution continued the work of the ancien regime, through the ever increasing power of the state.” – Edward Mortimer, Senior Vice-President, Salzburg Global Seminar, and author of Faith and Power: the Politics of Islam

“Ervand Abrahamian’s authoritative overview of twentieth-century Iran fills a large gap in the literature of Iranian studies. His predilection for social analysis and class studies provides an original prism through which the reader gains fresh insights into the drama of the drawn-out conflict between traditional vested interests and growing state power. Drawing on a lifetime of research and writing, Abrahamian has produced a book that successfully combines erudition and original scholarship with accessibility. Specialists and general readers alike will benefit greatly from its reading.” – Andrew Whitley, Director, UNRWA Representative Office

“Ervand Abrahamian’s A History of Modern Iran is a splendidly well-researched and well-written, interpretive overview of 19th and 20th century Iran. The main developments under the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties and under the Islamic Republic, the important role of Shiism in Iran’s history, the origins of modernization, the quest for democratic reform at various junctures, popular participation in the revolutions of 1906 and 1978–Abrahamian covers all this and much, much more. This book, by a first rate historian, is a must read for students and those interested in modern Iranian history.” – Haleh Esfandiari, Director, Middle East Program, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

“Abrahamian lucidly and objectively presents Iranian history, particularly the turbulant 20th century. The information contained in the book is truly incredible. Indespensible for anyone who genuinely desires to understand the roots of the theocracy that has taken over the country. Essential.” – Choice

“There are great riches to be found in this brief account of Iran’s turbulent modern history. It provides a valuable and dramatic account of a century of Iranian turmoil, violence, and intrigue. The story also includes a cast of strong-willed and colorful individuals.” – Middle East Journal

“…Abrahamian expertly navigates through the many transformations and twists and turns of twentieth-century Iran and presents a well-researched and well-written account that provides valuable insight into twentieth-century Iranian state and Society” – History: Review of New Books

“Abrahamian… does an impressive job of recounting the story of the White Revolution, this last shah’s botched attempt at modernization via a series of broad-ranging economic and social reforms in 1963…. Reading Abrahamian, one gains an acute sense of the potent cocktail of factors that finally led to the regime’s collapse.” – The Nation