A History of Modern Iran
- Release Date: 04/09/2008
- Country of Issue: United States of America
- Category: Academic and professional books
"Ervand Abrahamian has done for Iran what de Tocqueville did for France, showing how the revolution continued the work of the ancient 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
Throughout the centuries, Iran’s eventful history has been captivating scholars and historians. Modern Iran has experienced a rapid turn of events from a tumultuous economic meltdown, a bitter war with Iraq, a transformation of its society under the clergy to its emergence as one of the most powerful states in the Middle East. Ervand Abrahamian’s A History of Modern Iran (Cambridge University Press; September 4, 2008) takes a closer look at the events that changed the face of Iran forever.
Abrahamian chronicles its traumatic journey through the discovery of oil, imperial interventions, the rule of the Pahlavis, the revolution and the birth of the Islamic Republic as well as the more recent expansion of the state and the struggle for power between its different classes.
Abrahamian traces the main historical developments of the 19th and 20th centuries while providing fresh insights into the drama of the drawn-out clash between traditional vested interests and growing state power. Abrahamian presents a balanced, sophisticated account of Iran’s social, political and cultural landscape that narrates the story of its transformation across a hundred years of history.
Even the most casual glance at today’s headlines illuminates the need for a better understanding of modern Iran. With the country recently test firing missiles capable of reaching Israel, President Bush still considering military action against Iran in the waning days of his administration, and with the United States’ future post-Bush relationship uncertain, A History of Modern Iran is an indispensible guide for anyone seeking insight into this troubled and troubling nation.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Ervand Abrahamian is Distinguished Professor of History at Baruch College and Graduate Center, City University of New York. His previous works include The Iranian Mojahedin (1989), Khomeinism (1993), and Tortured Confessions (1999).
Ervand Abrahamain is available for interviews.
A History of Modern Iran by Ervand Abrahamian will be published by Cambridge University Press on September 4, 2008 $24.99 | 264 Pages | ISBN: 978-0-521-52891-7
If you would like more information, contact the Press Office:
- Telephone: +44 (0)1223 325544
- Fax: +44 (0)1223 325062
- Email: press@cambridge.org
- Post: The Press Office, University Printing House, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge, CB2 8BS, United Kingdom