Michael Axworthy's Revolutionary Iran gives the definitive story of modern Iran, from the origins of the revolution of 1979 to today, seeking to explain its unique view of the world and the extraordinary durability of its regime. In contrast to the familiar image of a medieval throwback, he makes a convincing case for the insistent modernity of the republic, with its manipulation of mass politics, obsession with technology and education, and use and abuse of Iranian culture and history. The result is an in-depth, candid view of a country often badly misunderstood by outsiders.'If you were to read only one book on present-day Iran you could not do better than this.' Ervand Abrahamian, Times Higher Education'His lucid, authoritative and very readable history of Iran offers context and nuance lacking in most commentary on that complex, opaque country . This book puts much-needed flesh on the simplistic caricature of Iran.' Martin Fletcher, The Times 'Invaluable . Axworthy has confirmed his position as one of the most lucid and humane western interpreters of Iran writing at the moment.

' David Shariatmadari, New Statesman 'Anyone interested in this most complex of revolutions would do well to read this.' Economist'An impressive, calm and literate portrait of the Islamic Republic.' James Buchan, Guardian.