Ervand Abrahamian is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at Baruch College and Graduate Center, City University of New York. His previous publications include The Iranian Mojahedin (1989), Khomeinism (1993), and Tortured Confessions (1999), and The Coup: 1953, The CIA, and The Roots of Modern US-Iranian Relations (2013). The latter title was named the Choice Outstanding Academic Title in 2013.

'The book's greatest achievement is that it helps the reader to straightforwardly navigate historical events since late nineteenth century that have shaped today's Iran. [It] unquestionably is a distinguished reference for those looking for a beautifully written narrative of contemporary history of Iran.' Seyed Ali Alavi, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

• Introduction, 1. 'Royal despots': state and society under the Qajars; 2. Reform, revolution, and the Great War; 3. The iron fist of Reza Shah; 4. The nationalist interregnum; 5. Muhammad Reza Shah's White Revolution; 6. The Islamic Republic; Notes; Bibliography; Further reading; Index.

Ervand Abrahamian is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at Baruch College and Graduate Center, City University of New York. His previous publications include The Iranian Mojahedin (1989), Khomeinism (1993), and Tortured Confessions (1999), and The Coup: 1953, The CIA, and The Roots of Modern US-Iranian Relations (2013). The latter title was named the Choice Outstanding Academic Title in 2013.

'The book's greatest achievement is that it helps the reader to straightforwardly navigate historical events since late nineteenth century that have shaped today's Iran. [It] unquestionably is a distinguished reference for those looking for a beautifully written narrative of contemporary history of Iran.' Seyed Ali Alavi, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

• Introduction, 1. 'Royal despots': state and society under the Qajars; 2. Reform, revolution, and the Great War; 3. The iron fist of Reza Shah; 4. The nationalist interregnum; 5. Muhammad Reza Shah's White Revolution; 6. The Islamic Republic; Notes; Bibliography; Further reading; Index.