Product Description

Iran often appears in the media as a hostile and difficult country. But beneath the headlines there is a fascinating story of a nation of great intellectual variety and depth, and enormous cultural importance. A nation whose impact has been tremendous, not only on its neighbours in the Middle East but on the world as a whole – and through ideas and creativity rather than by the sword. From the time of the prophet Zoroaster, to the powerful ancient Persian Empires, to the revolution of 1979, the hostage crisis and current president Mahmud Ahmadinejad – a controversial figure within as well as outside the country – Michael Axworthy traces a vivid, integrated account of Iran’s past. He explains clearly and carefully both the complex succession of dynasties that ruled ancient Iran and the surprising ethnic diversity of the modern country, held together by a common culture. With Iran again the focus of the world’s attention, and questions about the country’s disposition and intentions pressing, Iran: Empire of the Mind is an essential guide to understanding a complicated land.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9134 in Books
• Published on: 2008-11-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Review
'At this time above all, we need a deeply informed, engagingly written history of the nation from Cyrus to Khomeini and beyond. Axworthy does the job with balance and aplomb. Readers ... will warm to his human-scale portrait of a self-renewing culture that, as with its world-beating cinema today, shows "enduring greatness" and "creative power".' --Boyd Tonkin, Independent

'Axworthy presents a history by turns thrilling, cautionary, inspiring and surprising'
-- Scotland on Sunday

'A beautifully distilled ... history that flashes with insight on every page'
--David Gardner, FT

Review
'The best single-volume introduction to Iranian history'

Review
'More gripping than a novel ... Empire of the Mind's account of Iran today and the challenges it faces is worth a thousand documentaries and newspaper briefing articles'

Customer Reviews

First rate historical narrative.
I have just returned from Iran. I took two very good guides with me, Brant & Lonely Planet. At the last minute I took Michael Axworthys' Iran Empire of the mind, it proved invaluable for answering a myriad of dynastic details that the guides books do not have the scope for.It brings the reader right up to date and looks at this modern country and the philosophy behind its' culture. With Iran in the centre of world attention this book with its gripping and powerful narrative obliges us to take stock of our preconceived notions of this ancient land.

Can't believe no one's reviewed this yet!
As it says on the blurb on the back of this book - it reads like a compelling novel. For only a relatively 'short' history book it certainly packs a lot in, Michael Axworthy is obviously very knowledgable about his subject. The touches of humour and engaging writing style also make this a very readable book, which can't be said of all histories. We should all be making ourselves more aware of international issues and this book is an excellent way to get a foot in the door towards understanding modern Iran. Highly recommended! Now I'm anxiously awaiting the Nader Shah book and I'd never heard of him before reading Empire of the Mind.

First rate intellectual and political history
As stated in the sub-title, this is an overview of Iran as a political entity, in the context of the religious and intellectual currents which shaped it, from the earliest times. I found it illuminating on every period of the rich history of this fascinating country (although do not expect anything on its art and architecture). Lucidly written, highly accessible in the best sense, ideal for anyone interested in ancient history and world religions - NOT just current events. Parallels are made with European history to good effect, and these are not overstated. One of the best non-fiction works I have read this year.