A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind Paperback – March 9, 2010

This book can be considered a starting point for any newcomer to Iranian history. It is, without a doubt, a major contribution to the popular history genre. While Iran/Persia is one of the great empires, Axworthy implies that it is also an empire of the mind, a virtual empire that transcends the western concept of the geopolitical state.The book follows Iran's chronological history from pre-Achaemenid times to the present. It is well researched and has extensive footnotes and references allowing the reader to delve into details of any event or subject. Yet, it is eminently readable and has the tone of a lively and informative lecture rather than an erudite tome.The book binds all the varied elements of Iranian culture (a multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religion mélange of peoples) into a single story line. It provides a factual, but simplified, picture of a multiplicity of societies who consider themselves Iranian regardless of the proclivity of their present governments. The reader is forced to re-evaluate the common notions of Iran as a homogeneous entity and recognize it as a hodgepodge of different groups who are bound by a common belief in the uniqueness of their civilization, culture and history.Perhaps the greatest contribution of the book is the portrayal of Iranian minorities. It is no small feat to trace their histories in the Iranian context. Yet, as Axworthy implies, it is their historical contributions and continued existence that make Iranian culture unique. It would be a sad day if any government forced uniformity on such a great and diverse culture.The book does not cover everything (that would require an encyclopedia) but it misses some points. For instance, it discusses the Council of Guardians but does not cover another key element of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic - the Council of Experts. This is the Council that was responsible for appointing Ayatollah Khamenei as "supreme leader", a decision that involved considerable internal debate. Further, in theory, this Council can remove the supreme leader if it finds him unfit to rule. This is no small power considering the current turmoil Iran and is certainly worth mentioning.However, in spite of such minor omissions, the book is accurate, immensely readable and truly major contribution to Iranian history.

Michael Axworthy's excellent 2008 "A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind" covers 3,000 years of Iranian history in less than 300 pages. His approach is sensitive and generally even-handed, reflecting an interest in Iran that in places borders on reverence. The result is a nuanced narrative accessible to the general reader and the student of Iranian affairs.The sub-title, "Empire of the Mind", conveys the central narrative theme that modern Iran is a product of multiple invasions, whether of men or ideas, that have somehow been assimilated without obliterating Iran's cultural and political continuity. Its many contradictions are the product of a civilization founded by Aryan immigrants from central Asia, that was overrun by Greek, Roman, Arab and other armies, and is now the principal home of the Shia varient of Islam.Axworthy traces the impact of the various ruling dynasties, but he also pays close attention to the finer aspects of its culture, especially its poetry. Of most interest to this reviewer was his description of the current government, with its interwoven secular and religious strands.Axworthy, a former foreign service officer, tries to be evenhanded about the nature of the current regime. The corruption and repression revealed by the June 2009 presidential elections reinforces his idea of a regime both brutal and divided. His handling of the ongoing nuclear crisis is less sure; Axworthy probably undersells both Iran's diplomatic stonewalling and its interest in nuclear weapons."A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind" is highly recommended as a concise introduction to the country and its idea of its place in the world.

Empire of the Mind is a history book written by Michael Axworthy who was head of the Iran section of the British Foreign Office for two years, 1998-2000. As such, he's done an amazing job of transferring the collective will of the Iranian people to a book written by a westerner. The reader senses by the focus and detail of the early part of Iranian culture the importance of early empires. It is impressive to read about Persian Imperial interaction with the Roman Empire. But this detail curiously slips away as we approach the height of British Power. By the book has advanced to the 18th and 19th centuries, Axworthy kinda jumps to the 20th by stating the governing style of Nadir Shah was replicated all the way to last Shah. Concessions to British merchants are also lightly touched. Frustratingly, scant attention is paid to the activities of Russia, Britain, and the US during World War II. For example, Axworthy mentions the Russians being kicked out at one point in WWI then returning to institute a reign of terror in their sphere of influence. Wait, What? How many people were killed? No other information is given. The book sheds light on the mystery (to westerners) of Iran but treads lightly where blame night fall on the author's ancestors!

I'm still amazed that this book manages to deliver so much information and yet still be such a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.The chapters are broken down into a combination of thematic and chronological sections which make it very easy to refer back to. It also means that there's enough of a thematic thread to keep the reader grounded as you're going though some of the early history of Iran (a complicated mix of kings murdering each other).

The subjective comments of author here and there is not very helpful, making comparisons that are not only strange but also without evidence as such. I must say not all is lost and the chapters that focus on Iran before and after Arab invasion is well written and easy to read but not adding much to the researches that has been already done. The point of view on contemporary Iranian history, pre and post 1979 revolution is quite rushed and biased. It does seem to me that it is the point of view of a journalist formed by interviewing a specific group of people rather than genuine fact-finding.

To start with I found this book rather hard going. But this was because I knew virtually nothing about Iran before hand and had difficulty with Persian names. But I continued reading whilst travelling in Iran and it all came together brilliantly. So enjoyed this book and so enjoyed Iran! It is a must for anyone visiting this fascinating country.

Well written, easy read. Speaking as someone from Iran, this is the first time that I've read a work by a non-Iranian and found that it rings true with regards to Iranian thinking.

great