I have used Professor Nikki Keddie's Modern Iran in the classes I teach on gender and women in the Middle East. By far, this updated edition is the most comprehensive yet concise and accurate social history of modern Iran available for the students of the Middle East, especially Iran. This is a well-balanced account of the past two centuries of Iran, written in a lucid and accessible language. Throughout its 12 chapters and conclusion, it remains keen on the role of Iran's internal, regional and international politics, religion and Shii discourse, secular as well as religious intellectuals, socioeconomic factors, culture, women and gender. Highly Recommended.

Nikki R. Keddie's MODERN IRAN couldn't be more timely. It offers intelligent and balanced analysis of major developments in twentieth-century Iranian history. Moreover, its comprehensive and readable coverage will help the reader understand the Iran of today.

I am a university instructor and former student of Professor Keddie. I use this book for two of my classes on modern Middle East history and modern history of Iran. Professor Keddie's "Modern Iran" is without a doubt the most updated account of Iran's history during the past two centuries. Even more important, it covers the post-revolution period until the end of Khatami's presidency which makes it a valuable teaching tool. Furthermore, it is easy to read and in this context I usually receive positive comments from my students. If you want a historical overview of Iran, as an important world player and regional power, this is where you need to start.

this is an excellent book: authoritavie, accessible, and balanced... written by the greatest living scholar of Modern Iranian history. Definately the book to start with if you are looking for an overview of Iran in the last two centuries.

This is an excellent source not only for scholars but for educated readers and students interested in the history of Iran.