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.

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.

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.