This book can be considered a starting point for any newcomer to Iranian history. It is, without a doubt, a major contribution to the popular history genre. While Iran/Persia is one of the great empires, Axworthy implies that it is also an empire of the mind, a virtual empire that transcends the western concept of the geopolitical state. The book follows Iran's chronological history from pre-Achaemenid times to the present.
It is well researched and has extensive footnotes and references allowing the reader to delve into details of any event or subject. Yet, it is eminently readable and has the tone of a lively and informative lecture rather than an erudite tome. The book binds all the varied elements of Iranian culture (a multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religion mélange of peoples) into a single story line. It provides a factual, but simplified, picture of a multiplicity of societies who consider themselves Iranian regardless of the proclivity of their present governments. The reader is forced to re-evaluate the common notions of Iran as a homogeneous entity and recognize it as a hodgepodge of different groups who are bound by a common belief in the uniqueness of their civilization, culture and history. Perhaps the greatest contribution of the book is the portrayal of Iranian minorities. It is no small feat to trace their histories in the Iranian context. Yet, as Axworthy implies, it is their historical contributions and continued existence that make Iranian culture unique. It would be a sad day if any government forced uniformity on such a great and diverse culture. The book does not cover everything (that would require an encyclopedia) but it misses some points.
For instance, it discusses the Council of Guardians but does not cover another key element of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic - the Council of Experts. This is the Council that was responsible for appointing Ayatollah Khamenei as "supreme leader", a decision that involved considerable internal debate. Further, in theory, this Council can remove the supreme leader if it finds him unfit to rule. This is no small power considering the current turmoil Iran and is certainly worth mentioning. As a final note there are a few misstatements in the book. For example, the Qajar dynasty was not removed by a constituent assembly. The Fourth Majlis, using a unique amendment, removed the Qajars and agreed to Reza Khan becoming Reza Shah. However, in spite of such minor instances, the book is accurate, immensely readable and truly major contribution to Iranian history.
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A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind List Price: $16.95 Sale Price: $9.79  |
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Although frequently vilified, Iran is a nation of great intellectual variety and depth, and one of the oldest continuing civilizations in the world. Its political impact has been tremendous, not only on its neighbors in the Middle East but also throughout the world... |
It's been about 2 months since I received the book but I remember that it arrived in a timely matter and I had not problems with it. I will buy form this seller again. The book is interesting an summarizes a lot of history, however I have not finished it yet. It certainly clears up a lot of vague thoughts and ideas some may have. It is easy to follow I know some Iranian history and culture so I do not know how beneficial it would be for a person who wants to learn Iran's history for the first time but I definitely recommend it to all who want to and can read to read it!
Having lived through large waves of Iranian immigration into California the last 30+ years, I've had numerous friends and colleagues born in Iran. They have left me with a great respect for the Iranian civilization. However, this book explains too little of it. Most of the book is a rapid run-through of ancient history. We get the names of dynasties and kings but little sense of what made them powerful or weak. Not much stuck in my mind of the retelling of the Mohammadian conquest. Would have liked a LOT more on the economics, religion, and geography of ancient Persia. In more modern times, from early contact with the British Empire, the details are thicker but the ability to tie it into a comprehensible whole is still lacking. For recent history, WWII through present day, the author's balance shifts to being almost pro-mullah. I do detect a definite sympathy to the Islamic Revolution. For example, I got the impression that the author considered the Shah's repressive violence to be much worst than the revolutionary mullahs' but I didn't come away with any good sense of how that could be proven. In other words, I'm unconvinced but the author seems to think of the Islamic Revolution as an improvement. Unlike other reviewers, I would have to say that the poetry sections were the most enlightening parts of the book - and I'm no poetry fan. The excerpts gave insight into the Persian mind and soul that were completely lacking elsewhere in the book. I can sense this poetry in my Iranian friends. Not a total waste of time and money but there have to be better books on Iran out there.
Since I plan to visit Iran in the fall of 09, I bought this book. The first half was detailed and pretty dull, but after 1900 it was interesting and the last two chapters covering the period of my life was great. The description of "now" was very interesting. I hope I can get a visa with an Isreal stamp in my pasport.
The history of Iran, foreign invasions against it, and its cultural and intellectual movements makes for fascinating general-interest reading. "Empire of the Mind: A History of Iran" is a fine addition to any college library strong in Middle Eastern studies. Here the author focuses on the evolution of Iran and its world, exploring the true story of the interplay of Iran's faiths and peoples, and placing Iran's history within context of the region's development. A welcome discussion of Iranian progress and a top pick for any library strong in Middle Eastern studies.
