Iran

by Ali M. Ansari

Both revolutionary and reactionary, the Islamic Republic of Iran has long been a conundrum for Western observers. A theocracy that aspires to a popular mandate; an anti-colonial state with imperial pretensions of its modern Iran is in many ways a reflection of its struggle to reconcile its traditions with the challenges of modernity.
 
In this incisive book, globally renowned scholar of Iran Ali Ansari takes readers on a journey through the country’s turbulent history. Beginning with Iran’s fall from grace as a Great Power in the late 19th century, he explores its repeated attempts to modernise in a series of revolutionary movements from the Constitutional Revolution of 1906 to the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the civil unrest that is breaking out today.
 
From staunch ally to implacable foe, this book reveals how the experience of history and Iran’s encounter with ‘modernity’ have come to define it – and set it on an authoritarian path in confrontation with the West and, often, its own people.

Genres: Iran, History, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

Published March 25, 2024

About the author

Ali Massoud Ansari is professor of Modern History at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. He is the founder of the Institute of Iranian Studies.

Reviews

[Aleksandra Herzyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Książka w oryginale jest prawdopodobnie ok, natomiast polskie tłumaczenie jest obrazą dla ludzkości.

[Jarek Kopeć · Rating 3 out of 5]

Telling a whole century of the history of Iran in less than 200 pages requires a clever idea, a trick of sorts. This author has none. However, I still managed to learn some stuff.

Don't get me started on Polish translation. It is a disgrace.

[Pouya Khadem · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good recap of the last 200 years of Iranian history. It's good to know all the things that lead to the current situation.

The author's penmanship is admirable, however at times one gets the feeling that some words are used just to show that the author knew it. I doubt that anybody talks like that in real life, however I learnt a bunch of new words. So thanks I guess.

The book is mostly subjective and un biased, until a certain point. I don't fully agree with the author's views on the reform movement in Iran. But overall it authentically captures the Iranian mindset.

Would definitely recommend it to whoever wants to broaden their knowledge about Iran.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ansari’s “essential” history focuses on the unrealized hopes and aspirations of the 1906 Constitutional Revolution, impacted by both external and internal factors. This little work is a great place to start to better understand the complex dynamics of the Islamic Revolution that has sought to replace the dream of a republic with that of an Islamic state—and the human toll of this struggle.

[Youssef Ata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very difficult and not easy to read.
Doesn't cover a lot of events in the 21 century. However, it gives you good background information about the old Iranian politics and the constitutional revolution.

[Paulina Wojnarska · Rating 3 out of 5]

Merytorycznie ciekawa, ale polskie tłumaczenie to naprawdę tragedia.