Book 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.
Michael Axworthy is the former head of the Iran desk at the Foreign
Office and author of a very well-received book on Nader Shah, published
in 2006.
