This book is about a very enigmatic subject called Iranian identity. Something even the Iranians themselves admit they too know little about. Never has there been a more complex or diverse nation. Iran is a virtual carpet of intersecting threads of various ethnicities, languages, religions, and sub cultures. However, the book is about how Iran has been torn between what it understands as its legitimate Persian culture and the Islamic theocracy that has since been grafted on to it. Thus it is about this larger struggle for Iranian identity, not just about Iranian identity since 1979 and the U.S. hostage crisis, when the issue officially came into the frame of relevance of the average American citizen. It is a broad-brush sketch of Iranian identity over the last two millennia, since Cyrus the Great but with its main emphasis on recent history. To milk a pregnant metaphor perhaps pass its respectable limit, it is a magic carpet ride into the rich textured fabric of the country.

There are many surprises: Such as how Iran became s Shia nation; Iran's struggles over religion more generally; its revolutions and mostly failed attempts to reform and modernize itself. But that is not all. The transparent subtext of the book is geopolitics, a subject that perhaps unintentionally has made the book a virtual object history lesson in how the past and the present will inevitably meet in strange, twisted and unpredictable ways in the future. And here we mean of course it is about the underlying structure of power that relies on oil, and of which Iran sits at the very crossroads, if not the apex of. Tragically, and perhaps also unwittingly, this subtext is also about how the U.S. has repeatedly squandered and misplayed and continues to misplay its geopolitical hand in the region. How the West colonized an entire region; how the CIA toppled a democratically elected government and installed a "puppet Kingdom;" and how it continually sided with Iran's enemies: Israel generally, and Iraq during the Iraq-Iran war in particular.

In this regard, it is worthwhile to note, if only in passing that one of the world's worse kept secrets of the modern era is that Iran, because of its size, wealth in natural resources, and its location in history and geography, lies at the intersection of the "black gold" that literally fuels the West's -- and now additionally fuels the economic engines of the rising powers of China and India. It suggests that if Iran ever comes together as a nation, it will be a power to reckon with.

At the same time that the rest of the world is waking up to Iran's very much underrated if mostly laden geo-strategic importance, the U.S. is beginning to lose a grip on its seat at the regional table. That is to say, just as Russia (another owner of huge oil reserves in the region) begins to make a concerted effort to reassert its hegemony over Central Asia; India and China begin to rise to international economic prominence; and all of these key players of the future begin to forge new interest and alliances of convenience, only the U.S. and its erstwhile partner Israel remains "odd man out" of this emerging elite geopolitical, strategic and economic circle.

The main point of the book is that if ever there was a sleeping giant ready to wake up and flex its muscles it is Iran. The U.S. history of taunting and manipulating Iran in particular, and Western colonial manipulation of the larger region more generally, assures that when this slumbering giant does awaken, it will awaken angrily with its nuclear tipped claws swiping in our direction.

For me, one who knew nothing about Iran, not only was this book a deep and excellent history of the country and region, but it also provides a sobering and accurate analysis of how short-term policies eventually always come back to bite us in our geopolitical butts. Five stars

When i finished reading Sandra Mackey's The Saudis i was set on reading The Iranians since The Saudis was such a great book.I wasnt dissapointed.Mrs Mackey writes with great insight into the mentality of the iranians and explains very clearly how they feel about the world and about their own culture.I especially like the way she understands and explains the iranian history and its implications in todays world.Another thing that i liked about this book is how easy is to read and understand.When you read this book is like you walk alongside Mrs Mackey as she explains very easily the history,culture and mindset of the iranians.Just a fantastic book.

I feel this book is an excellent history of Iran and unlike some feel it gives a good representation of more recent history, I am sorry she didn't have room to portray everybody that was important; ten volume books don't usually sell well. She did mention some people I didn't know, but more importantly she finally made me understand clearly where the Shah went wrong and why and made me truly understand the importance of Islam. In spite of 3 1/2 years immersed in Persian culture under the Shah I had failed to fully grasp either of these concepts. I wish I could go back and apologize to the Mullah I once shared a bus seat with who I undoubtedly offende grevioulsy offended by fliply commenting that I thought of all religions Zen Buddhism appealed to me the most. While I sincerley meant it, I also knew it would be rude when I said it.

This is a wonderful overview of and introduction to Iranian history. As previous reviewers have noted, it leaves out many details. And that is the point - it is an overview of two and a half millenia. For this beginner student of Iranian history and language, the book wonderfully highlighted key periods, events, people, places, and beliefs. I am now eager to read more, and feel I will have a point of reference as I encounter more detailed presentations of various aspects of Iranian history and culture. For the previous reviewers who did not agree with the thesis either in its simplicity or philosophy, I say they are missing the point. Ms. Mackey obviously has a deep understanding of Iran that she has shared in a comprehensible way for those of us unfamiliar with this fascinating country. Take what you like of her thesis or none of it at all; this does not diminish her accomplishment in providing solid information in a highly readable format.

Like many reviewers I have only been able to read 2/3's of the book. I like how she covered the History up to 1900. But beyond that she is not too informative. She has turned Mossadeq into the only politician, and Shaikh Khazal into the only seperatist of the 20th Century. She has no mention of other politicians like Vossough ol Dowleh, Qavam ol Saltana, Mostofi, or Sepahsalar. She doesn't cover the Revolutions in Gilan, Azerbaijan, Kurdistan. Like many authors she doesn't give the Qajar/Kadjar Dynasty any good light. Her book was the first book that I read on Persian History, and since then I have had to read over 5 more to get a real picture of Iran. I recommend Massoume Price's book "Iran's Diverse Peoples A Reference Sourcebook."

Like many reviewers I have only been able to read 2/3's of the book. I like how she covered the History up to 1900. But beyond that she is not too informative. She has turned Mossadeq into the only politician, and Shaikh Khazal into the only seperatist of the 20th Century. She has no mention of other politicians like Vossough ol Dowleh, Qavam ol Saltana, Mostofi, or Sepahsalar. She doesn't cover the Revolutions in Gilan, Azerbaijan, Kurdistan. Like many authors she doesn't give the Qajar/Kadjar Dynasty any good light. Her book was the first book that I read on Persian History, and since then I have had to read over 5 more to get a real picture of Iran. I recommend Massoume Price's book "Iran's Diverse Peoples A Reference Sourcebook."

This book began to contradict on matter of King of kings Ismail. In one Chapter author wrote that King Ismail was a great King and was the best thing happened to Iran, the following chapter the author illustarted King Ismail as a burtail King of Iran.

This book is full of information about the religious fractions within Iran; and it gives a historic review of such formations. However, the content of such rview about the roots of Iranians' worldview is limited to the short period in the history of this country.

Those trying to understand the historical background to the current problems in Iran will find this book a useful introduction. Mackey does an excellent job with recent events, explaining the illegitimacy of the Pahlavi dynasty and the events leading to the Shah's overthrow, providing insights into the fierce and puritancial vision of Ayatollah Khomeini, and recounting the stagnation of the economy, the mismanagement of the war with Iraq, and the country's deepening isolation from the West. Especially interesting to me: the character sketch of Reza Shah, the theme of the country's vulnerability as a pawn in the superpowers' strategic games, and the aborted attempts at reform in 1905 and 1953. I also appreciated learning something about Ali, Hussein, and the historical roots of Shiism.

Less compelling parts include the survey of pre-Islamic history (Achaemenian and Sassanian dynasties), which I found less gripping than the narration of recent events.

MacKey's main thesis, that Persia has always combined charismatic kingship with a religious foundation of Zoroastianism or Islam, is well-argued and well-documented. However, the thesis is too slender a reed to really explain Iran. MacKey gets repetitive as she argues for her thesis too much.

Even so, she gives a good overview of Iranian history, both modern and ancient. It is solid work, though clearly from a person who is trying to get a handle on a new information.

Ma'am, I am not given to writing book reviews professionally BUT as a practising, born and bred Zoroastrian, I feel compelled to say that our ethical triad rests on Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds - in that order. Perhaps a typo makes you state Good Works which would equal Good Deeds. Also some not very au fait with Zoroastrianism are often found to place Good Words before Good Thoughts - a slight impossibility, don't you think?

For further assistance with the not too obvious, please feel free to write to me privately at my email address - I should love to learn more about you too!

Thanks for a patient read,
Shirin J. Mistry.

This book has several mentions of the Baha'i Faith in it, referring to the Faith as "an offshoot of Islam", and in one part quoting someone as making the Baha'is out to look like violent animals. I will never read anything by this author again, she may be aware of Iran's history and politics, but is very miseducated in the area of the Baha'i Faith (not Bahaism as she writes it). The Baha'is are quite the opposite of what this author believes.

I read the book when it came out in hard bound, and then again referred to it again recently in my college course work. It is a very insightful and excellent history of Iran. Although I am not Persian I did share parts of the book with Persian friends. Some had their own personal opinions on the matter, however, after reading it, I felt that Sandra Mackey gave a very good perspective. She does add some of her own personal interest and flavor, but I do not think it takes away from factual evidence.

Be prepared, it is a long book. It was a bit tough at the beginning to get going for me, but once I was into it, it was at times a page turner, and very good.

I would highly recommend this book. Anyone with an interest in the story of Iran, be it you are from the era of the Revolution (such as myself) or you are studying Middle East History (like myself) ** Keep in mind most Persians hate being referred to as Middle Easterners and as author and great lecturer Edward Said would say, that is a derogatory term. Anyway, if you find the region of interest, this book is a must read. Very well done, and one of the more detailed and interesting books I have read on Iran and the Persian History.

this book is okay for a beginners intro to iran but it misconstrues completely some of the facts of iranian history. mossdaegh did NOT assume dicatatorial powers, and at times it seems that ms mackey feels sympathy for the shah. the crimes of SAVAK, the shah's secret police, arent well documented either. dont waste your money- I recommend THE LAST GREAT REVOLUTION by Robin wright or PERSIAN MIRRORS by Elaine Sciolino

It's rare that I do not finish a book--particularly a book on Iran since I was once engaged to a lovely Iranian man and visited that country on four different occasions.

I was not impressed with this book. I would like to ask the author if she ever lived in Iran and really got to know the people of that beautiful country...

I highly recommend: Daughter of Persia

Ms. Mackey has written a decent popular overview of Iranian history that is hampered by certain limitations of focus and technique.

As the title suggests, she frames that history as an almost continuous tension between a Persian identity with a 2,500 year heritage and the later influence of Islam. As with most "grand theme" histories, she's forced to simplify the elements of the theme (reducing Persian culture and Shia Islam to a few key elements) and squeeze a complex history into this framework. Such an approach lends coherence to the book, but results in elimination of many influences and trends that would round out our view of the Iranians and their history.

For instance, I was hoping she'd delved more deeply into the various tribes whichare eoncompassed by modern Iran. She suggests that frequent tribal unrest occurred over the last 100 years, but gives us no idea of the possible competing interests and worldview of these groups.

Similarly, we get a very sketchy idea of economic history except the suggestion that resources have not been fairly divided in Iran for most of its history. Economic factors frequently can be directly related to revolutionary activity, but we find only hints of this from Mackey. There are other threads I wish she had taken up as well.

What we do get is a decently written trip through 2,500 years of history which hits most of the key figures and events without really delving into anything terribly deeply. The book devotes more pages as we reach modernity, but the yoke of her thesis keeps Mackey from generating a broad picture of even the 20th century. Overall, not a painful way to approach the subject, but not really satisying for anyone wanting a really in-depth history of the subject. Read it, and then read on.

Finally, a word to some of the criticism voiced below. First, Mackey doesn't strike me as terribly "orientalist," merely shallow. She seems generally sympathetic to her subjects but she doesn't really get under their skin. Her sympathy serves her especially well towards the end where she succeeds in reducing the demonization of the Iranians by modern America.

Those who suggest that she paints Persian culture in a bad light by, among other things, overemphasizing patriarchalism and failing to compare it to similar attitudes in ancient Greece and Rome seem to me to just have an axe to grind. Had this book been published by a university press and presented itself as a scholarly book, I might have agreed. But, this is clearly meant as a general POPULAR history, so those who expected more shouldn't have been surprised.

Lastly, I can't speak to the factual mistakes some people cite, but I can say that since I would only consider this an introduction to the subject at best, further reading ought to clarify any ambiguities.