複雑な政治文化と文明を持つイランですが、その存在、概念、人々に対する我々の理解はどこか表面的なものになってはいないでしょうか。本書はイラン革命を政治的変革、社会的改革の時代と位置づけ、イランという国家の概念が形成されるまでの過程、また複雑なイラン人のアイデンティティについて検討します。イランと中東、そして西洋との関わりについても言及し、イランという国についての理解を深めます。(cf. Iran: What Everyone Needs to Know)
 

• Provides a reinterpretation of Iran's history and politics
• Considers the factors that have shaped Iran and the Iranian identity through history
• Allows a better appreciation of the history and culture of the Iranian people
• Considers the relationship between the Middle East, Iran, and the West

 
Iran has rarely been out of the headlines. Yet media interest and extensive coverage has tended to hinder rather than help our understanding of Iran as an idea, an identity, and a people, leading to a superficial understanding of what is a complex and nuanced political culture and civilization.
 
This Very Short Introduction presents a radical reinterpretation of Iranian history and politics, placing the Islamic Revolution in the context of a century of political change and social transformation. By considering the various factors that have contributed towards the construction of the idea of Iran and the complex identity of Iranians themselves, Ali Ansari steers a clear path towards a more realistic understanding for us all. 
 
 
REVIEWS:

"It is a considerable challenge to sum up the essense of Iran, with its recorded history of more than 2,500 years, in only a little more than a hundred pages. But Ali Ansari does so effectively by focusing on the multi-layered identity of the Iranians." - David Blow, The Times Literary Supplement

"This book is written in a lively and accessible style. It is full of insights into modern Iran, the most important of which is the continuing impact of Iran's mythology and long history on the present. It should be required reading for anyone proposing to negotiate with Iranians, whether in politics or business." - Geopolitics and Security, Francis Robinson