Customer Reviews

Creating An Islamic State: Khomeini and the Making of a New Iran

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Yes, the book title clearly states that it's about Khomeini's role in creating the Islamic Republic of Iran; but on reading it one is mislead to believe that Khomeini walked a straight path from the late thirties to 1979 with a clear picture in his head.
The book evades the fact that Khomeini adapted to circumstances and, above all, took advantage from other leading factions in the strugle to dethrone the Shah.
Much of the book is dedicated to study Khomeini's background and theologic curricula in the pre-revolution years, and very little to the fierce strugle to wrest power from other factions after the revolution. That's precisely Khomeini's contribution to the creation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and if you want to read about it, you should look for other book, not this.

Very well-written and engaging. Although the topic is somewhat specialized, Martin does a fine job in keeping this book accessible an information. A great book for those wishing to study and/or compare 20th century revolutions.