The Iranians: Persia, Islam and the Soul of a Nation

by Sandra Mackey

Book Overview

Throughout its long and complex history, Iran has struggled with two warring identities--one evolving from the values, social organization, and arts of ancient Persia, the other from Islam.

By examining the relationship between these two identities, The Iranians explains how the revolution of 1979 came about, why the Islamic Republic has failed, and how Iran today is on the brink of chaos. In this defining portrait of a troubled...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0452275636
• ISBN13: 9780452275638
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Terrific overview

This is a wonderful overview of and introduction to Iranian history. As previous reviewers have noted, it leaves out many details. And that is the point - it is an overview of two and a half millenia. For this beginner student of Iranian history and language, the book wonderfully highlighted key periods, events, people, places, and beliefs. I am now eager to read more, and feel I will have a point of reference as I encounter more detailed presentations of various aspects of Iranian history and culture. For the previous reviewers who did not agree with the thesis either in its simplicity or philosophy, I say they are missing the point. Ms. Mackey obviously has a deep understanding of Iran that she has shared in a comprehensible way for those of us unfamiliar with this fascinating country. Take what you like of her thesis or none of it at all; this does not diminish her accomplishment in providing solid information in a highly readable format.

An excellant review of Iran history & revolution

I found this book an excellent summarized review of iran history and revolution. I am now a US citizen but escaped from Iran 3 years after the revolution. I have lived through the Shah's era and his idea of great civilization, the revolution and the war. I started reading this book with skepticism at first. However, shortly after reading the first couple of chapters, I realized that the author has depicted the Iran history and revolution very well and to my opinion, very acurate. Even though she had to eventually interpret the situations and make conclusions, those are overall very close to the truth from a cultural and political standpoint as far as I am concerned. I believe those represents a realistic and factual interpretation of Iran culture and politics overall. I have to admit that I was very impressed by the depth of her understanding specially for a foreign author. Maybe that was her advantage since she had to look at all facts realistically with no legacy bindings to any cultural or political parties in Iran. I would highly recommend this book as a must read for Iranians who have an open mind and foreigners who would like to understand the country beyond the streotypes.I believe two groups of Iranian people would not like the conclusions and comments in the book. The first group is the last regime's proponents including all those that got anywhere under the shah's corrupt police state. The second group are the current die-hard proponents of Velaiat-e-Faghih (Supreme Leader) as a means of governing. These groups are the two extremes of Iranian politics and culture that are both against democracy and have got used to dictatorship way of governing. Both naturally have a lot banked on their relationship with the ruling parties either Shah or the Status quo and will protect it as they have shown with the most brutal ways of suppression. That leaves a big majority of Iranians and foreigners that will enjoy reading this book to get a realistic point of view apart from extremism. Highly recommended.

A truely fresh look at a complex topic

This book gave me a tremendous insight into the complexities of Iran. I consider myself well read however the history, interaction, sensitivity of the author and research has completly changed my view of the people of Persia. The book also makes clear the role the United States has played in the long term history of IRAN.

The best book written in english about IRAN.

This book is the best book for: Understanding the history of IRAN, Understanding the Iranians, Learning about Iranian culture, Learning the will of change in Iran. I strongly recommend this book.

A Must-Read for Travelers to Iran

Sandra Mackey covers the political and social history of Persia/Iran from its beginnings up to 1997. All-in-all, I found this to be an excellent book that has helped me understand Iranian history and culture.I do find one fault, however. Mackey seems unable to say that Shah Mohammed Reza did any good at all, although she spends much time and many paragraphs ridiculing and criticizing the man. Even when she grudgingly admits that he helped advance the status of women (page 261), she immediately adds that he did so only for his own motives. I am no fan of dictators --- and Shah Mohammed Reza, like his father, was definitely a dictator --- but I do believe in giving credit where credit is due. I see Shah Mohammed Reza as a reformer who helped his nation advance and did so as much out of patriotism and love of his people as out of personal ambition.Mackey's coverage of post-revolutionary Iran --- taking up the final third of the book --- is objective, interesting, and shows a good knowledge and experience of the subject.I also found her account of the 1906 Constituional Revolution informative, as I had not had much knowledge of that event.I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about Iran's past or present. It's a must-read for anyone planning a trip to this fascinating country.