Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire

Library of Middle East History

by Andrew J. Newman

The Safavid period (1501-1722) is often viewed as the golden era in Iran's history, following the demise of the Sasanian Empire a thousand years earlier. In fact it represented a vital break with past Iranian history. Based on the latest in-depth research and historiography, Safavid Iran shows the extraordinary achievements of the Safavid period--political, economic and cultural. Andrew Newman examines art and architecture, philosophy, science and religion of the age and places them in the context of ruthless statecraft and institution-building.

Genres: History, Iran, Middle East, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 21, 2006

Reviews

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems like no editor worked on this book...otherwise there wouldn't be so many repetitions and someone would have told the author that describing and explaining is a much better choice than just composing a book of name dropping and listing events. The book can be read as a very first introduction to the topic though and what I really liked was that the author talks about the original sources, those texts written at the period, and the art work (architecture, miniature painting, ceramics, metalwork) - unfortunately without any illustrations, some pictures and drawings would have been quite helpful! However, for THE book on the Safavids we still have to wait.

[Behrooz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book. I felt it was more aimed at academics.

[Jasmin]

I have been more interested in non-fiction as of late. This was recommended to me by a Persian friend here when I expressed my frustration over not being able to find a solid book on ancient persian history. I was so frustrated by the lack of good books, I almost wanted to write one myself! Am going to start it soon.