Customer Reviews

A Diplomatic History of the Caspian Sea: Treaties, Diaries, and Other Stories

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This is a good read. For those who know the Caucasus and Central Asia, it is a fascinating look at the rivalry betwwen the Tsars of Russia and the Shahs of Iran over almost three centuries. For international oilmen concerned with petroleum development in the Caspian, it is must reading. Furthermore it is timely because of the discussion of Afghanistan in the history of Iran. And finally, for those who lived and travelled in Iran, it is a return to a beautiful nostalgia that is, alas, no more.

This book is a gem. Eschewing the conventional historical narrative/survey approach, the author weaves a tapestry of anecdotes and vignettes tied to events and artifacts, thus creating a fascinating historical pastiche of the Caspian region. This book is a particular achievement in how it manages to reveal Iran's (Persia's) view of itself -- its role and relationships with other players in the region's power politics through the centuries. Mirfendereski, in an erudite but engaging writing style, provides not only interesting information but a nuanced glimpse into a world view.