A History Of Modern Iranby Ervand Abrahamian
Cambridge University Press, 2008
Publication date 2008
Topics Iran, history of Iran, Middle East, Pahlavis, revolution, Iranian intelligentsia, oil, imperial interventions, the clergy, international politics, middle class
Collection opensource
Language EnglishItem Size 195.6M
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Publication date : 23 August 2018
Edition : 2nd
Print length : 272 pages
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In a radical reappraisal of Iran’s modern history, Ervand Abrahamian traces its traumatic journey across the twentieth century, through the discovery of oil, imperial interventions, the rule of the Pahlavis, and, in 1979, revolution and the birth of the Islamic Republic. In the intervening years, Iran has experienced a bitter war with Iraq, the transformation of society under the rule of the clergy, and, more recently, the expansion of the state and the struggle for power between the old elites, the intelligentsia, and the commercial middle class.
The author, who is one of the most distinguished historians writing on Iran today, is a compassionate expositor. While he adroitly negotiates the twists and turns of the country’s regional and international politics, at the heart of his book are the people of Iran, who have endured and survived a century of war and revolution. It is to them and their resilience that this book is dedicated, as Iran emerges at the beginning of the twenty-first century as one of the most powerful states in the Middle East.
'Ervand Abrahamian has done for Iran what de Tocqueville did for France, showing how the revolution continued the work of the ancien regime, through the ever increasing power of the state.' Edward Mortimer, Senior Vice-President, Salzburg Global Seminar, and author of Faith and Power: The Politics of Islam
'Ervand Abrahamian's authoritative overview of twentieth-century Iran fills a large gap in the literature of Iranian studies. His predilection for social analysis and class studies provides an original prism through which the reader gains fresh insights into the drama of the drawn-out conflict between traditional vested interests and growing state power. Drawing on a lifetime of research and writing, Abrahamian has produced a book that successfully combines erudition and original scholarship with accessibility. Specialists and general readers alike will benefit greatly from its reading.' Andrew Whitley, Director, UNRWA Representative Office
'Ervand Abrahamian's A History of Modern Iran is a splendidly well-researched and well-written, interpretive overview of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Iran. The main developments under the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties and under the Islamic Republic, the important role of Shiism in Iran's history, the origins of modernization, the quest for democratic reform at various junctures, popular participation in the revolutions of 1906 and 1978 - Abrahamian covers all this and much, much more. This book, by a first rate historian, is a must read for students and those interested in the modern Iranian history.' Haleh Esfandiari, Director, Middle East Program, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
'There are great riches to be found in this brief account of Iran's turbulent modern history. It provides a valuable and dramatic account of a century of Iranian turmoil, violence and intrigue. The story also includes a cast of strong-willed and colourful individuals.' Middle East Journal
'A History of Modern Iran delivers the goods it announces on its jacket in around 200 pages.' Dave Osler, Weekly Worker
Book Description
A radical reappraisal of Iran's modern history, tracing its traumatic journey across the twentieth century.
From other countries
Bahram Malaekeh
5.0 out of 5 stars A concise and detailed history of the modern Iran
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 March 2014
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"A History of Modern Iran" goes through the modern history of Iran in very clear, very understandable language without, unlike most books about the topic, having to rely on hearsay, unverified accounts or personal or politically motivated interpretations of event.
It provides an easy to follow narrative, while at the same time giving the reader all the necessary information required to understand the events, such as clear explanations of social and regional matters, as well as much needed historical context and clarifications.
The book is truly a must-have for anyone serious about understand how Iran actually got to where it is now and a crystal clear narrative about a topic that most outsider, and even some insiders, know very little about.
3 people found this helpful
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I Don't Read Much Fiction
5.0 out of 5 stars What you didn't know about Iran will surprise you
Reviewed in the United States on 10 August 2011
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It might surprise many to know that Iran had a working parliament (majles) as early as 1906. As far as Iranian history goes, this has to be one of the best overviews of Iran's last 100 years.
The book begins with the Qajar dynasty in its dying days. Iran's political borders are not what one might expect at the turn of the century. Protests that led to the 1906 revolution came from modern day Iraq, Karbala, Najaf as well as Iranian highlands around modern Tehran. When we think Iran, we think of the modern state and its boundaries, the supposed 'Persian' domination and Shi'a religiosity, Muslim extremism under Khomeini's ideas in Valayat e-Faqih (Jurist's Guardianship) an idea written about in the book called Hukumat Islami (Islamic government).
Before today's Iran there was an ebb and flow of intellectualism either suppressed or in full force guiding the will of the Iranian people. Abrahamian as an author is not pointing fingers but doesn't leave out the coups of 1941 and 1953 and the obvious self-interests of the United States, the UK and Russia. At times Iran was a pawn in the 'great game', too often to the detriment of a working parliament.
There has been a democratic flavor in Iran for over a century. The people have long-demanded it, regardless of whatever Shah or Ayatollah attempted to rule otherwise. The 1979 revolution sprang from intense oppression. Mohammad Shah, receiving large amounts of western aid, built up his country in the White Revolution. The reforms had the potential of enriching the entire nation yet sadly, the rich were heavily advantaged and the poor suppressed.
Abrahamian attempts to describe also the tension and utility that Islam has played for different governments in power. The religious seat at Qom has been as much a government ally or striking foe as it has been a religious educator. Besides the religious scholarly sector, Iran's politics have been influenced by the demands of the bazaar sector, the student sectors and the trade and craftsmen. When the majles was working, early on and just before Western instigated coups, there was healthy political, constructive debate.
Abrahamian does a great job of looking at the intertwining relationship between the economic sectors, religion, Shi'a philosophy and foreign policy to paint an easily understood picture of modern Iran. So where does one go from here? Just know that the Majles has been at the base of Iranian society for a long time.
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Euclid
5.0 out of 5 stars Hält was es verspricht.
Reviewed in Germany on 21 August 2025
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Bevor man einfach Vorurteile über den Iran zum Besten gibt sollten man (unter anderem) dieses Buch gelesen haben.
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Kav
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing and informative book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 April 2010
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This book is very "to the point" and is written in such language that almost everybody would get the author's message. The author sticks to the REAL history of Iran and summarises it in a way that after reading the whole book, you feel you know more about Iran and it's recent history. Highly recommended for those of you interested in a recent history of Iran. five stars
6 people found this helpful
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nisanyan
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction
Reviewed in the United States on 28 September 2025
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Excellent, even-handed historiography that avoids all the usual biases. Very good introduction to modern Iranian history for beginners and middle-level readers.
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Z. Ahari
4.0 out of 5 stars A timely addition to our knowledege sources of Iran
Reviewed in the United States on 10 September 2008
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Edward Abrahamian is a man who knows his Iran. This is an addition to his previous book "Iran Between two Revolutions". The present book is well-researched and well-written book on this difficult subject. Historically speaking the grievances between the US and Iran are relatively new, just over 50 years old. It started with the deposing of Mosaddegh in a CIA coup and culminated in the Hostage Crisis. Politicians of both countries have used the incidents as a tool for justifying their own agenda. Introduction of Israel to this explosive mixture has further complicated the issue. This book is a recommended reading for those who want to familiarize themselves with the issues and would not take politicians ' word on their face value. It is a good beginning for understanding the issues before we get into an unnecessary and potentially disastrous conflict.
25 people found this helpful
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Ali
5.0 out of 5 stars accurate, well written and informative
Reviewed in the United States on 27 December 2013
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The books gives a very good overview of the modern Iran. It shows statistics and data to back up the claims made in the book and the author in my view could keep his opinions to himself and narrate the facts as they were. I would definitely recommend reading this book.
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Interested
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 April 2016
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Excellent textbook
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Zebra BZ
5.0 out of 5 stars Another seminal, well-written, scholarly and well researched study ...
Reviewed in the United States on 2 March 2015
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Another seminal, well-written, scholarly and well researched study of modern Iranian history and events from Dr. Abrahamian, integrated with deeply insightful sociological analysis throughout. A delightful book that I was unable to put down even at moments I was extremely sleepy or fatigued.
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Skender
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction
Reviewed in the United States on 29 October 2013
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An excellent introduction to modern Iran. The author manages to summarize the complicated Iranian political history into a book that is easily digestible, without falling into the trap of over simplification and vilification or adulation of certain people or movements.
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From other countries
George Skiadopoulos
3.0 out of 5 stars necessary reading after "Iran between two Revolutions"
Reviewed in the United States on 22 April 2014
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If one has read "Iran between two Revolutions", by same author, needs to read this too, since it covers the period until early 2000s.
Very good and informative, not as detailed as "Iran between two Revolutions".
But very good introduction to modern Iran for somebody who does not know much about it.
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Fariborz D. Rouchi
4.0 out of 5 stars Socialogy
Reviewed in the United States on 6 February 2013
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An excellent book which explains in great detail the levels of society in Iran in the past 100 years. It also explains the effects of foreign interest and their manipulations of the political system which caused the destruction of the entire social and economic infrastructure.
This is an easy to read book which unfortunately does not explain in detail how the foreign powers caused the present middle east problems and puts majority of the blames on politicians and monarchs of this period.
Overall, despite its shortfalls, an excellent book to read with wealth of information.
4 people found this helpful
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Janet
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book!!
Reviewed in the United States on 1 October 2012
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This book gave a great review of the history of modern Iran. The author did not linger in one era longer than another. The author seemed very knowledge of the history, culture, people, philosophy, mentality and pivotal political figures and movements. I would enjoy reading another book by the same author.
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Alex
5.0 out of 5 stars A History of Modern Iran
Reviewed in the United States on 1 October 2012
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Great book!
I like the way he presents his point of view concerning the history of Iran!
I'm presently using it for my MA in Middle Eastern Studies and I think that is a great tool. But I also think that it lacks the concept of women as being present in society, but overall is a great book!
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Ellen Wheaton
4.0 out of 5 stars Straightforward
Reviewed in the United States on 7 September 2013
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A great deal of straightforward, factual information about the intricate and confusing history of those years, presented with simplicity and clarity.
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Ehsan Salek
5.0 out of 5 stars Objective and balanced
Reviewed in the United States on 23 July 2015
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Excellent, objective, and balanced. Points out the positives and negatives of both the Pahlavi and the Islamic Republic's regimes.The Qajar dyansty's history is also informative.
2 people found this helpful
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Winthrop Allen
5.0 out of 5 stars If you have a perverse interest in...
Reviewed in the United States on 18 March 2015
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... brigands, warlords, treacherous politicians, and a population entertained by public executions, then this is the book for you (and me)
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eman3477
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
Reviewed in the United States on 11 February 2013
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I had to get this book for a class and read it without any expectations, but ended up enjoying it lot more than I had anticipated.
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Ara Sanjian
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 25 March 2018
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satisfied
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Pamela Gillingham
5.0 out of 5 stars Understand Iran
Reviewed in the United States on 28 March 2016
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Excellent.
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From other countries
Clint Blandford
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent condition.
Reviewed in the United States on 22 February 2015
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Clean. Excellent condition.
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Kaveh Espandar
5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant
Reviewed in the United States on 4 November 2009
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I love the book as it analyses the society as well as the events. Abrahamian did a great job.
2 people found this helpful
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Cathy cooper
1.0 out of 5 stars Do not like.
Reviewed in the United States on 24 March 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book offers many details, but little clarity or relevance to Middle Eastern, Persian, or modern Iranian history. 0/10. Do not like.
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2nd ed
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Cambridge A History of Modern Iran Book -
Paperback – 23 August 2018
by Ervand Abrahamian (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars (67)
Edition: 2nd
Kindle $34.75
Paperback $36.95
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The first edition of this highly readable narrative of modern Iran was named the Choice Outstanding Academic Title in 2009.
This second edition brings the story up to date through 2017, with the Green uprisings of 2009, the second Ahmadinejad administration, the election of Rouhani, and the Iran nuclear deal.
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Eric Gartman
5.0 out of 5 stars The Modernization of Iran
Reviewed in the United States on 9 April 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
“Iran entered the 20th Century with oxen and wooden ploughs. It exited with steel mills, automobiles, and a nuclear program. An Iranian Rip Van Winkle gone to sleep in 1900 would hardly have recognized his environment had he woken in 2000.” So writes Ervand Abrahamian in the introduction of his A History of Modern Iran. (Second edition) His focus is on the modernization of Iran in the last century, which he argues was made possible by the expansion of the state, underpinned by oil revenues. All this seemed highly unlikely during the first two decades of the 20th Century. Iran’s central government controlled the city of Tehran. Diseases, famine, and war swept the country from 1914-19. “By 1920 Iran was classic failed state,” Abrahamian writes, with little or no leadership. Then onto this stage strode a powerful man on horseback, a military officer who crowned himself as Shah Reza Pahlavi, and immediately set out to transform his backward nation with an iron fist, crushing anyone who dared oppose him and his sweeping changes. The bureaucracy increased 17 fold during his 20 years in power, the military and police expanded, leading to law and order, and thus the basis for the modernization Shah Reza Pahlavi wanted: increased schools, trains, buses, radios, new streets, railroads, and infrastructure. This was partially financed by increasing oil revenues. Oil had been discovered by the British in Iran in 1908. At first the revenues were paltry, but they increased, even as the British kept most of the profits for themselves. “It can be said of Reza Shah that he took over a country with a ramshackle administration and left it with a highly centralized state.” Thus the energetic and ruthless dictator had taken major steps toward modernizing Iran when he was forced from power by the British in 1941 for having cozied up to Nazi Germany. He was replaced by his son, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. It took over a decade and a Nationalist insurgency for the young Shah to consolidate his power, but when he did, he relaunched his father’s modernization program.
Moreover, he had much greater resources at his disposal with the renegotiation of the oil treaty with the British in 1954, thanks to the Nationalist insurgency. If the modernization carried out by the elder Pahlavi from 1920-40 was due mainly to his iron will, the modernization carried out by his son was due almost exclusively to massive oil revenues, as the great man’s offspring lacked his father’s vision and determination. He also had a centralized state and bureaucracy to implement these changes thanks to his father. These changes were massive. Whereas his father had focused on state centralization and expansion, his son focused on heavy industry, hoping to bring Iran into the ranks of the great powers by the end of the century. He encouraged the building of large factories in the textile, machine tools, and car assembly industries, and smaller factories devoted to clothing, cement, paper, and the like to realize these hopes. Infrastructure including railways, asphalt roads, oil refineries, and hydroelectric dams were all financed by the state to bring these products to the outside world. Nor did the Shah ignore social programs, greatly expanding state-run schools, creating a literacy corps, and improving health care access. These programs helped in raising literacy rates and eliminating famines and epidemics.
Yet the most significant reform the Shah initiated was the White Revolution, which was mostly an attempt at land reform. With nearly all arable concentrated in the hands a few notable families worked by landless peasants, the idea of redistributing the land to provide each family with a few acres seemed good and just. And yet it failed miserably. The actual goal of land reform was not justice; it was to undercut the notable’s power, neutralizing their opposition to the monarchy. Instead, the newly landed farmers would owe their allegiance to the Pahlavi state and become the main pillar of support. While the goal of undercutting the notable’s power was achieved, the second was not. The new farmers did not know how to work their land properly. Nor did the government provide them with equipment and loans to help them out. Furthermore, the lands were too small for self-sufficiency in many cases. The result was a class of newly-landed farmers who were barely scraping by, and another group of failed farmers who left the countryside for the cities. These new urban migrants invariably ended up in shantytowns cut off from their traditional way of life, chafing at the Shah’s attack on Islam, disappointed that the rising oil revenues did not improve their life in any way, while those whom the regime favored lived in glittering homes in northern Tehran.
With the failure of land reform and the creation of new classes of discontented Iranians, other groups became more vocal. The most important of these was the clergy, who were viewed as an impediment to modernization by the Pahlavi dynasty. Yet the clergy had mostly stayed out of politics, or “earthy matters.” This all changed when one high-ranking clergyman, Ruhollah Khomeini, came up with a new doctrine. Khomeini claimed that until the Hidden Imam returned, the clergy should rule in his place. Thus, for the first time, Shiism became political. Abrahamian terms Khomeini’s ideology as “clerical populism.” By this Abrahamian means that Khomeini’s ideology included many practical elements, promising justice and equality to the oppressed, while making it clear that he had no intention of banning commercial activities as they did not conflict in any way with Islam. Thus, in addition to gaining support of the discontented lower classes, Khomeini also appealed the merchant class, who chafed under the one-party rule the Shah enforced. Ultimately, Abrahamian lays responsibility for the Islamic Revolution a the Shah’s door: The Shah alienated the clergy deliberately, appeared more interested in the West than his own people, spent money lavishly on modern arms while millions were mired in poverty, and then alienated the notables, the very class that should have been the regime’s last pillar of support. True, the Revolution required an unusual event in the re-interpretation of Shiism as a political force by a charismatic leader, but it was the Shah’s missteps than led to his fall.
And yet the rise to power of a religious regime did not turn the clock back on the expansion of the state and modernization, the main themes in Ebrahamian’s narrative of modern Iran. This is so because the Islamic Republic as portrayed by Ebrahamian is quite pragmatic in many ways. Yes, women were forced to wear veils and censors struck any offensive public writings. But the regime used oil revenues to complete the Pahlavi’s goal of tying the countryside to the cities through paved roads, communications, literacy, health clinics and electricity. Moreover, Ebrahamian portrays the Islamic Republic as more competent than the Shah’s administration. Not only did the Islamic Republic bring the countryside into the 20th Century, it succeeded where he failed in land reform. The urban poor “the battering rams of the revolution,” were given careful attention by the new regime, bringing them a minimum wage, limited weekly work hours, paid holidays and job security. The urban poor therefore remain the regime’s solid base to this day.
In sum, I highly recommend this book. Its easy to read and makes a lot different events and trends in Iran’s modern history quite understandable.
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