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Iran

A Modern History

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Iran

By: Abbas Amanat
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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This history of modern Iran is not a survey in the conventional sense but an ambitious exploration of the story of a nation. It offers a revealing look at how events, people, and institutions are shaped by currents that sometimes reach back hundreds of years. The book covers the complex history of the diverse societies and economies of Iran against the background of dynastic changes, revolutions, civil wars, foreign occupation, and the rise of the Islamic Republic.

Abbas Amanat combines chronological and thematic approaches, exploring events with lasting implications for modern Iran and the world. Drawing on diverse historical scholarship and emphasizing the 20th century, he addresses debates about Iran's culture and politics.

Political history is the driving narrative force, given impetus by Amanat's decades of research and study. He layers the book with discussions of literature, music, and the arts; ideology and religion; economy and society; and cultural identity and heritage.

©2017 Yale University (P)2018 Tantor Asia Middle East Modern World Iran War Socialism Soviet Union Middle Ages Africa Ancient History Imperialism Self-Determination Military Ottoman Empire Capitalism Civil War Armed Force Russia Taxation Modern Iran
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One of the most comprehensive books, entailing all detailed aspects of foreign, social, local and religious influences on iranian politics. The book is very engaging, bringing different aspects and layers of each era of Iran’s history into life. The only problem I had was with certain parts if the narrator. As much as I fully enjoyed Derek Perkin’s narration, there are certain names that he fully mispronounces on some occasions and pronounces fully correct on others. The inconsistencies are annoying. Also some names are lazily mispronounced (not too difficult to double check). Other than that, 5 stars!

One of the most comprehensive, detailed, unbiased and informative books on all aspects of modern history of Iran

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chapter 14. 39:03 there is a sound cut with some words missing.
Interesting to know the history of Iran

insightful Iran

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Very good overview of the past 500 years of Iranian history. I bought this as I wanted to understand how the Islamic Republic came to be, and I ended up with a far greater understanding of Iranian history and culture than I had anticipated.

After reaching the chapters set in the 1980s and 90s, and the atrocities committed by the IR, it has given me a greater appreciation of the courage of contemporary Iranians trying to survive the regime.

Now I'll move on to pre-Islamic Iranian history, to cheer myself up a bit!

Very informative and insightful overview of Iran

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A comprehensive but readable history of modern Iran. It covers multiple centuries and explains how Iran ended up where it is now. One of the best features of the book is how it follows the cultural l, social, and artistic developments of Iran along the political developments.

Also great credits to the narrator for pronouncing the Persian and Arabic names of people and locations so well.

Finally, the book's ending with Hardez's poem was just amazing. A cherry on top of this great book.

The best history book on modern Iran

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it left me gobsmacked how a democratically elected govt could be scrapped by cia and mi6 interference because they chose to nationalise ther oil industry

Very informative

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