Iran

A Modern History

By: Abbas Amanat

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

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

A Masterpiece

Abbas Amant's "Iran, A Modern History" is a masterpiece worth reading for anyone interested in the history of modern Iran. If you don't have the patience to read 1000 pages, listen to the audio version. It'll be well worth your time!

Good, detailed account.

Amanat's book is the fruit of much research into what had been an oft-troubled, but fascinating, 500 years of Iran's modern history. Well-narrated as usual by Mr Perkins.

good book

I enjoyed the narrative very much. it gave me a new perspective on this region of the world.

A Masterpiece

Historical account of Iran, with an emphasis on the 20th century. Runs from the early 16th century with Ismail I to the present. Detailed , interesting, great narrator, I was hooked. Highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about the country.

A relevant point

Mr. Amanat tried and did a great job to create a detail picture of the all elements with their historic background that shapes today Iran political, and cultural landscape. He talks about Shariah and Mojtahedin, but avoids talking about fundamentalism Shiih and it's role in shaping Sunni fundamentalism.

Very good

Highly recommended as a review of the modern history of Iran and understanding it’s current predicaments

A textbook to how it doesn’t work!

Although it may not be as easy for none Persian speaking readers specially the first parts until 1900’s, by listening to the ending of this great true history put together like the Hezaroyekshab , one can imagine the actual events! Thank you , you answered all my questions and my wish to see the story of this beautiful land and great people was finally told. My father 1921-1988 a historian would have loved reading this book. Namaskaram 🛐

Every Iranian should read this

I found it insightful and fascinating. Many things makes sense ad it creates continuity in the social and political path of Iran.

A MUST READ FOR HISTORY BUFFS

This is an amazing book, covering history going back to the 1500’s and ending in the late 1900’s, discussing politics, leaders, art, culture and every day living of the general population.
There is a lot of information to be absorbed and the narrator is absolute EXCELLENT, so important for a book of this scope.
I highly recommend listening, such important information in today’s political theater.
This will be a re-listen in the future.
My thanks to all involved, JK.

Most amazing history book

This book was beyond my imagination. No wonder why it is the result of 20 years of the author’s effort. I think any Iranian who is wondering why Iran fell into such a misery has to read this book. I wish I could find a Farsi copy.