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A History of Iran by Michael Axworthy

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A History of Iran

Empire of the Mind

Michael Axworthy

Basic Books · Print & ebook · May 24, 2016

Reading lane: Iranian History

The definitive history of Iran, from the ancient Persian empires to today. “Michael Axworthy’s deft untangling of the country’s history, from the advent of Zoroastrianism to the 1979 revolution, is a stunning achievement.” ― Guardian Iran is a land of contradictions.

At a Glance

Why This Clicks

A Clear Lens

A compact, scholarly sweep through Iran’s long historical memory, written for sustained reading.

Come here for

  • layered cultural context
  • serious, conversation-ready history

Expect

  • institutional clarity
  • prestige without fuss

Book Details

Authors
Michael Axworthy
Publisher
Basic Books
Published
May 24, 2016
Format
Print & ebook
Theme
Iranian History · Islamic History
Reading lane
Iranian History

Affinity

Publisher Categories

  • Ancient History

  • Iranian History

  • History of Islam

  • Middle Eastern Politics

Show all 5 publisher categories
  • Islamic History

About This Book

The definitive history of Iran, from the ancient Persian empires to today. “Michael Axworthy’s deft untangling of the country’s history, from the advent of Zoroastrianism to the 1979 revolution, is a stunning achievement.” ― Guardian Iran is a land of contradictions. It is an Islamic republic, but one in which only 1.4 percent of the population attend Friday prayers. Iran's religious culture encompasses the most censorious and dogmatic Shi’a Muslim clerics in the world, yet...

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The definitive history of Iran, from the ancient Persian empires to today. “Michael Axworthy’s deft untangling of the country’s history, from the advent of Zoroastrianism to the 1979 revolution, is a stunning achievement.” ― Guardian Iran is a land of contradictions. It is an Islamic republic, but one in which only 1.4 percent of the population attend Friday prayers. Iran's religious culture encompasses the most censorious and dogmatic Shi’a Muslim clerics in the world, yet its poetry insistently dwells on the joys of life: wine, beauty, sex. Iranian women are subject to one of the most restrictive dress codes in the Islamic world, but make up nearly 60 percent of the student population of the nation’s universities. In A History of Iran , acclaimed historian Michael Axworthy chronicles the rich history of this complex nation from the Achaemenid Empire of sixth century BC to the revolution of 1979 to today, including a close look at Iran’s ongoing attempts to become a nuclear power. This comprehensive volume offers general readers an essential guide to understanding this volatile nation, which is once again at the center of the world’s attention. “[A] sweeping, sensitive and evenhanded overview of the ancient nation.” — Kirkus Reviews

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