In recent years, Iran has gained attention mostly for negative reasons-its authoritarian religious government, disputed nuclear program, and controversial role in the Middle East-but there is much more to the story of this ancient land than can be gleaned from the news. This authoritative and comprehensive history of Iran, written by Homa Katouzian, an acclaimed expert, covers the entire history of the area from the ancient Persian Empire to today's Iranian state.

Writing from an Iranian rather than a European perspective, Katouzian integrates the significant cultural and literary history of Iran with its political and social history. Some of the greatest poets of human history wrote in Persian-among them Rumi, Omar Khayyam, and Saadi-and Katouzian discusses and occasionally quotes their work. In his thoughtful analysis of Iranian society, Katouzian argues that the absolute and arbitrary power traditionally enjoyed by Persian/Iranian rulers has resulted in an unstable society where fear and short-term thinking dominate. A magisterial history, this book also serves as an excellent background to the role of Iran in the contemporary world.

About the Author
Homa Katouzian, a native of Iran, teaches Iranian history and Persian literature at St. Antony's College and the Oriental Institute, University of Oxford. He is also editor of the journal Iranian Studies.

Reviews
"Katouzian is a convincing analyst of Iranian history."-Robert Carver, The Tablet


"Maybe the broadest and best overview available in English of a country which we need urgently to understand better. It should be required holiday readings in the Foreign Office, and maybe the White House too."-Stephen Howe, Independent (History Book of the Year selection)


"Iran's has been a history full of glories, and they're all here . . . in this distinguished study . . . [Persians is] awe-inspiring in its scope and its scholarly reach."-Scotsman


"Homa Katouzian's book [is] well on its way to becoming a standard text on this complex and culturally rich country."-Belinda Webb, Tribune

". . . a compelling and thought-provoking introduction to this history of the Persian people from Cyrus the Great to Ahmadinejad."-David Blow, Journal of the Iran Society





Book Information
ISBN 9780300169324
Author Homa Katouzian
Format Paperback
Page Count 448
Imprint Yale University Press
Publisher Yale University Press
Weight(grams) 612g