Ali M Ansari is Professor of Iranian History at the University of St Andrews. His most recent publications include The Politics of Nationalism in Modern Iran (2012) and Iran: A Very Short Introduction (2014).

'Since it was first published in 2003, Ali Ansari’s book has established itself as one of the very few really first-class histories of modern Iran. It is exceedingly well-informed, judicious in its judgements, and thoroughly up to date in its use of the essential source-material and previous scholarship. It is also remarkably accessible: a pleasure to read, and ideal for both students and the wider readership of those who wish to understand Iran. The new chapters of this edition, dealing with and analysing the developments of the period between 1797 and the early 20th century, add greatly to the book’s value and interest.'David Morgan, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

• Preface to the third edition Glossary Chronology of Modern Iran Map 1 Introduction 2 The legacy of the eighteenth century 3 Fath Ali Shah and the challenge of Europe 4 Resistance, revolt and reaction 5 ‘Enlightenment’ and the Iranian awakening 6 The Constitutional Revolution and its aftermath 7 Reza Khan and the establishment of the Pahlavi state 8 Reza Shah: modernisation and tradition, 1926–41 9 Political pluralism and the ascendancy of nationalism, 1941–53 10 The consolidation of power, 1953–60 11 The ‘White Revolution’ 12 Towards the Great Civilisation 13 Revolution, war and ‘Islamic Republic’ 14 Khatami and the challenge of reform 15 Ahmadinejad, populism and the politics of confrontation 16 Conclusion: Iranians and their history Guide to further research Select bibliography Index

Ali M Ansari is Professor of Iranian History at the University of St Andrews. His most recent publications include The Politics of Nationalism in Modern Iran (2012) and Iran: A Very Short Introduction (2014).

'Since it was first published in 2003, Ali Ansari’s book has established itself as one of the very few really first-class histories of modern Iran. It is exceedingly well-informed, judicious in its judgements, and thoroughly up to date in its use of the essential source-material and previous scholarship. It is also remarkably accessible: a pleasure to read, and ideal for both students and the wider readership of those who wish to understand Iran. The new chapters of this edition, dealing with and analysing the developments of the period between 1797 and the early 20th century, add greatly to the book’s value and interest.'David Morgan, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

• Preface to the third edition Glossary Chronology of Modern Iran Map 1 Introduction 2 The legacy of the eighteenth century 3 Fath Ali Shah and the challenge of Europe 4 Resistance, revolt and reaction 5 ‘Enlightenment’ and the Iranian awakening 6 The Constitutional Revolution and its aftermath 7 Reza Khan and the establishment of the Pahlavi state 8 Reza Shah: modernisation and tradition, 1926–41 9 Political pluralism and the ascendancy of nationalism, 1941–53 10 The consolidation of power, 1953–60 11 The ‘White Revolution’ 12 Towards the Great Civilisation 13 Revolution, war and ‘Islamic Republic’ 14 Khatami and the challenge of reform 15 Ahmadinejad, populism and the politics of confrontation 16 Conclusion: Iranians and their history Guide to further research Select bibliography Index

Ali M Ansari is Professor of Iranian History at the University of St Andrews. His most recent publications include The Politics of Nationalism in Modern Iran (2012) and Iran: A Very Short Introduction (2014).

'Since it was first published in 2003, Ali Ansari’s book has established itself as one of the very few really first-class histories of modern Iran. It is exceedingly well-informed, judicious in its judgements, and thoroughly up to date in its use of the essential source-material and previous scholarship. It is also remarkably accessible: a pleasure to read, and ideal for both students and the wider readership of those who wish to understand Iran. The new chapters of this edition, dealing with and analysing the developments of the period between 1797 and the early 20th century, add greatly to the book’s value and interest.'David Morgan, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

• Preface to the third edition Glossary Chronology of Modern Iran Map 1 Introduction 2 The legacy of the eighteenth century 3 Fath Ali Shah and the challenge of Europe 4 Resistance, revolt and reaction 5 ‘Enlightenment’ and the Iranian awakening 6 The Constitutional Revolution and its aftermath 7 Reza Khan and the establishment of the Pahlavi state 8 Reza Shah: modernisation and tradition, 1926–41 9 Political pluralism and the ascendancy of nationalism, 1941–53 10 The consolidation of power, 1953–60 11 The ‘White Revolution’ 12 Towards the Great Civilisation 13 Revolution, war and ‘Islamic Republic’ 14 Khatami and the challenge of reform 15 Ahmadinejad, populism and the politics of confrontation 16 Conclusion: Iranians and their history Guide to further research Select bibliography Index