The Iranians: Persia, Islam and the Soul of a Nation - Hardcover

Mackey, Sandra; Harrop, Scott

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0525940057 ISBN 13: 9780525940050

Publisher: Dutton Adult, 1996

Synopsis

The author of The Saudis provides a definitive portrait of the troubled nation of Iran and the complex religious, historical, political, and cultural forces--especially the dichotomy between Islam and the culture of ancient Persia--that continue to shape it.

About this title

Review:

The Iranians chronicles the history of the Iranian people, from the "glory days" of Persia to the overthrow of Mohammed Riza Shah and the rise of the Ayatollah Khomeini. Through many centuries, Islamic Iran fell repeatedly to invaders--Turks, Mongols, Afghans, Russians, and the British--only to spring back and reassert its cultural and spiritual autonomy while absorbing elements of other civilizations. But after the 1950s, rapid modernization disturbed every facet of Iranian life. Mackey shows how Iran's pendulum swung from nationalism to monarchism to rigid Shia fundamentalism, while also offering harsh judgment of Western attitudes and policies toward Iran.

About the 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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dutton Adult
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0525940057
• ISBN 13: 9780525940050
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 448