Customer Reviews

Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution, Updated Edition

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I am a university instructor and former student of Professor Keddie. I use this book for two of my classes on modern Middle East history and modern history of Iran. Professor Keddie's "Modern Iran" is without a doubt the most updated account of Iran's history during the past two centuries. Even more important, it covers the post-revolution period until the end of Khatami's presidency which makes it a valuable teaching tool. Furthermore, it is easy to read and in this context I usually receive positive comments from my students. If you want a historical overview of Iran, as an important world player and regional power, this is where you need to start.

I have used Professor Nikki Keddie's Modern Iran in the classes I teach on gender and women in the Middle East. By far, this updated edition is the most comprehensive yet concise and accurate social history of modern Iran available for the students of the Middle East, especially Iran. This is a well-balanced account of the past two centuries of Iran, written in a lucid and accessible language. Throughout its 12 chapters and conclusion, it remains keen on the role of Iran's internal, regional and international politics, religion and Shii discourse, secular as well as religious intellectuals, socioeconomic factors, culture, women and gender. Highly Recommended.

this is an excellent book: authoritavie, accessible, and balanced... written by the greatest living scholar of Modern Iranian history. Definately the book to start with if you are looking for an overview of Iran in the last two centuries.

Nikki R. Keddie's MODERN IRAN couldn't be more timely. It offers intelligent and balanced analysis of major developments in twentieth-century Iranian history. Moreover, its comprehensive and readable coverage will help the reader understand the Iran of today.

If you're a serious non fiction reader then Nikki R. Keddie's Modern Iran is a perfect way to quickly get up to speed on Iran's history circa 2003. This book is extremely well researched and footnoted hence the timeline of Iran transposes much more clearly than a true vision of her cultulral tapestry. Nikki R. Keddie offers a taste of her own opinion without interweaving details from her own correspondances and activities within the region. Reading this book you get the feeling that every sentence has been carefully researched and is wholly accurate. Because of these aforementioned factors it's not an easy read but considering America's current relationship with Iran, Keddie's ultimate conclusion will shock you. If you're a history reader then pick it up but if you're a tabloid reader then don't attempt.

This is an excellent source not only for scholars but for educated readers and students interested in the history of Iran.