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Understanding Iran: Everything You Need to Know, from Persia to the Islamic Republic, from Cyrus to Khamenei
William R. Polk provides an informative, readable history of a country which is moving quickly toward becoming the dominant power and culture of the Middle East. A former member of the State Department's Policy Planning Council, Polk describes a country and a history misunderstood by many in the West. While Iranians chafe under the yolk of their current leaders, they also have bitter memories of generations of British, Russian and American espionage, invasion, and dominance. There are important lessons to be learned from the past, and Polk teases them out of a long and rich history and shows that it is not just now, but for decades to come that an understanding of Iran will be essential to American safety and well-being.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
137 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
William R. Polk
30 books50 followersWilliam R. Polk taught Arabic literature and history at Harvard University and the University of Chicago, served on the Policy Planning Council under President Kennedy, negotiated the Egyptian-Israeli Suez ceasefire, and founded the Adlai Stevenson Institute of International Affairs. He has written nineteen books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 29, 2021
Audiobook pe scribd. Au fost interesante primele capitole ,dar de la un punct incolo Marea Britanie a fost mama tuturor relelor, in timp ce America a vrut sa ajute Iranul sa treaca strada, l a mangaiat afectuos pe cap, dar acesta s a purtat ca un baietel rasfatat si nerecunoscator. Propaganda proamericana in stil sovietic.
September 23, 2020
An Eye-Opening Look from the Vantage Point of the Middle Eastern World
While I could not agree with everything I read, and one or two things have since been proven to be incorrect political theories, I found this book to provide a maximum amount of information in a minimum amount of time. And, it was an enjoyable history covering a vast time frame. It certainly put Iran in perspective and connected the loose ends between Darius of Persia and the Shahs of Iran.
My background is quite lacking in the history of the Middle East. This was certainly the work to begin my quest for the past in all of Asia. Probably the time lapse since the book was written is one draw back in choosing this book, since it is not current. Because of that I first chose to read Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic by Amin Saikal. It seemed to offer more of a modern perspective. But, that book was so dry and boring, and politically one-sided that I quickly discarded that and bought this one in both the Kindle and the Audible for whisper-sync. This was a good choice, and it more than makes up for the datedness of the writing by the foundational history it provides.
If you only read one book about Iran, this may be the book you should choose. It gives a more rounded perspective of all political entities involved in the centuries and decades of struggle that is Iran. It also gives quite a bit of info on Iranian culture.
I read this for my stop in Iran on my Journey Around the World in 2019-2020. My next stop is Northeastward into Turkmenistan, where I am now reading a very unusual story called The Revenge of the Foxes by Ak Welspar on Kindle.
While I could not agree with everything I read, and one or two things have since been proven to be incorrect political theories, I found this book to provide a maximum amount of information in a minimum amount of time. And, it was an enjoyable history covering a vast time frame. It certainly put Iran in perspective and connected the loose ends between Darius of Persia and the Shahs of Iran.
My background is quite lacking in the history of the Middle East. This was certainly the work to begin my quest for the past in all of Asia. Probably the time lapse since the book was written is one draw back in choosing this book, since it is not current. Because of that I first chose to read Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic by Amin Saikal. It seemed to offer more of a modern perspective. But, that book was so dry and boring, and politically one-sided that I quickly discarded that and bought this one in both the Kindle and the Audible for whisper-sync. This was a good choice, and it more than makes up for the datedness of the writing by the foundational history it provides.
If you only read one book about Iran, this may be the book you should choose. It gives a more rounded perspective of all political entities involved in the centuries and decades of struggle that is Iran. It also gives quite a bit of info on Iranian culture.
I read this for my stop in Iran on my Journey Around the World in 2019-2020. My next stop is Northeastward into Turkmenistan, where I am now reading a very unusual story called The Revenge of the Foxes by Ak Welspar on Kindle.
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August 2, 2019這本書名很長的《伊朗︰被消滅的帝國，被出賣的出權，被低估的革命，被詛咒的石油，以及今日的——伊朗》，由曾經擔任美國政府顧問職的「威廉．波爾克（William Polk）」所著，中譯本由「光．現出版社」所出版，算是書市中專述伊朗歷史的幾本書之一。與我在今年四月讀的由 Parker 所著的圖文並茂的《波斯人》一書比起來，這本的「入門性」比較低，而且某些古史論述有些瑕疵。但由於本書作者的背景之故，因此本書的最大價值，應該就是以一位曾經在現場參與事件者的身份所留下來的史料吧。
每個現代國家都有其自身的歷史脈絡與特色。以伊朗人的觀點，從中古時代薩法維王朝的塑造，形成了今日伊朗在西亞地區成為一個以宗教（什葉派穆斯林）為主體所構成的國家，比其周圍相鄰的阿拉伯土豪遍地的情況並不相同。但近現代以來，由於英蘇兩國所玩的那場「大博奕」，使得伊朗在現代化的路上處處感到「悲情」不已（所以我們島民別再自以為有多麼地悲情了……）。更殘酷的，是伊朗巴列維王朝兩任國王，為了擺脫英蘇兩國的影響，引進第三國「美國」來加以制衡。沒想到在二戰之後，「英波石油公司／英國石油公司」退去，美國人卻從原來的崇高道德的角色，反過來成了獨自控制該國的「太上皇」，並一手主導了將那位阻擋現代石油公司獲利的世俗總理「摩薩台」給搞下台的勾當。也難怪在伊朗伊斯蘭革命之後，神權共和國的當政者們，有多麼地痛恨這個偽善的「美利堅合眾國」了。
本書作者的立場，對現代伊朗屬於「溫和派」。但不曉得是否為同僚或自己而諱，雖然作者明白地寫到 CIA 搞掉摩薩台一事，但在其後 1979 年的伊朗革命之後，美國人對伊朗所進行的干涉似乎未多加著墨，而放在大阿亞圖拉何梅尼如何鬥掉他的幾個政敵。比如像兩伊戰爭怎麼爆發，美國軍艦在波斯灣的動作，作者多以一兩個名詞輕描淡寫地帶過。因此本書雖然在許多書評中認為「美國進入伊朗」的這一章節最有價值，但若以我自己的觀點，似乎只打了半場好球而已……
可以一讀的書。
#最近本書好像出了第二版用來罵川普吧
每個現代國家都有其自身的歷史脈絡與特色。以伊朗人的觀點，從中古時代薩法維王朝的塑造，形成了今日伊朗在西亞地區成為一個以宗教（什葉派穆斯林）為主體所構成的國家，比其周圍相鄰的阿拉伯土豪遍地的情況並不相同。但近現代以來，由於英蘇兩國所玩的那場「大博奕」，使得伊朗在現代化的路上處處感到「悲情」不已（所以我們島民別再自以為有多麼地悲情了……）。更殘酷的，是伊朗巴列維王朝兩任國王，為了擺脫英蘇兩國的影響，引進第三國「美國」來加以制衡。沒想到在二戰之後，「英波石油公司／英國石油公司」退去，美國人卻從原來的崇高道德的角色，反過來成了獨自控制該國的「太上皇」，並一手主導了將那位阻擋現代石油公司獲利的世俗總理「摩薩台」給搞下台的勾當。也難怪在伊朗伊斯蘭革命之後，神權共和國的當政者們，有多麼地痛恨這個偽善的「美利堅合眾國」了。
本書作者的立場，對現代伊朗屬於「溫和派」。但不曉得是否為同僚或自己而諱，雖然作者明白地寫到 CIA 搞掉摩薩台一事，但在其後 1979 年的伊朗革命之後，美國人對伊朗所進行的干涉似乎未多加著墨，而放在大阿亞圖拉何梅尼如何鬥掉他的幾個政敵。比如像兩伊戰爭怎麼爆發，美國軍艦在波斯灣的動作，作者多以一兩個名詞輕描淡寫地帶過。因此本書雖然在許多書評中認為「美國進入伊朗」的這一章節最有價值，但若以我自己的觀點，似乎只打了半場好球而已……
可以一讀的書。
#最近本書好像出了第二版用來罵川普吧
September 6, 2012
Attempting to understand a culture of today cannot be limited to just this generation or even the generation before that. To fully understand any culture, the researcher has to go back to the beginning and examine the history from that moment until today. In regard to the rich culture of Iran, William R. Polk attempts to do just that in his book, Understanding Iran: Everything You Need to Know, From Persia to the Islamic Republic, From Cyrus to Ahmadinejad.
Polk starts as far back as in history as possible for Iran. From there he discusses the cultural, ethnic, and national identity of being Iranian. It is not just a matter of descending from those that lived there for generations. It is not just claiming a home there. It is much more intricate. The book explores the history of rulers and the impact each new wave of leadership brought upon the people who lived in the region known now as Iran. The see-saw of strong ruler with that of weak ones kept the nation in turmoil and laid the foundation of much of the problems of today. The book dives further into the European influence, revolutionary veins, and the explosion of that revolutionary wave leading to a unique Iran of today with strained ties to the world around it.
The author sets out to understand the Iran of today by looking into the past starting with the original Persians. What most of the world knows about Iran is based on the struggles over the nation and the resources it possesses. Polk strove to get beyond the United States/Iran issue or the Britain/Iran issue and discover “what it means when we speak of Iran and Iranians.” He wanted to get to the heart of the people and culture.
Understanding Iran is a very comprehensive book that does not start during the Persian and Greek wars. It does not start with the end of World War I. It starts at the beginning to get a more complete picture of the subject at hand: Iran and its people. The fact that the book is so encompassing and looks beyond stereotypes makes it a valuable resource. Polk does an excellent job of taking all aspects of the Iranian world (culture, history, and political) and bringing into a logical and understandable kaleidoscope. He lays out clearly how Iran’s past is not something to be swept under the rug as it is “directly remembered by modern Iranians because it is being constantly reinforced” through its own cultural activities, its politics, and its interaction between the rest of the world.
As Polk desired to reveal more of the true Iran and everything that influenced what it has become today, the result was success. He states in an easy to read manner how Iran did not live in a bubble. The world within the boundaries and the world without had huge impacts on what one sees if they walked the streets of the Iranian cities and villages today. He clearly shows how the past is the present redefined and matured whether it is seen in a good or a bad light. There is no doubt what Iran is. Misconceptions are easily tossed aside as Polk examines the evidence in an objective and concise manner. The book could easily have been three times the size it was published at, but Polk wrote in a manner that was not lengthy yet to the point. He takes a country that “has had one of the world’s richest and most fascinating historical experiences” and gives the reader a glimpse into that past without having to spend weeks reading volumes of material.
The book is set up in a manner that can be read just to learn more and not as an academic manner. This is beneficial in encouraging the learning of the history and culture of Iran while not limiting it to those in the upper educational classrooms. It is also laid out for easy search if one is using it for academic purposes with a well laid out index and an extensive notes sections as well as bibliography. The book alone would make a valuable resource tool, but it also helps the eager learner to explore further than the book in their hands.
Missing from the book was any additional material in the form of maps, charts, or images. The book is not designed too much for the visual learner. The layout of the chapter is not broken out in sections with headings for easy reading retention or for research. Much is absent that would help enhance the book or bring about a more in depth learning. The visual reinforcement is not present in this book.
Polk starts as far back as in history as possible for Iran. From there he discusses the cultural, ethnic, and national identity of being Iranian. It is not just a matter of descending from those that lived there for generations. It is not just claiming a home there. It is much more intricate. The book explores the history of rulers and the impact each new wave of leadership brought upon the people who lived in the region known now as Iran. The see-saw of strong ruler with that of weak ones kept the nation in turmoil and laid the foundation of much of the problems of today. The book dives further into the European influence, revolutionary veins, and the explosion of that revolutionary wave leading to a unique Iran of today with strained ties to the world around it.
The author sets out to understand the Iran of today by looking into the past starting with the original Persians. What most of the world knows about Iran is based on the struggles over the nation and the resources it possesses. Polk strove to get beyond the United States/Iran issue or the Britain/Iran issue and discover “what it means when we speak of Iran and Iranians.” He wanted to get to the heart of the people and culture.
Understanding Iran is a very comprehensive book that does not start during the Persian and Greek wars. It does not start with the end of World War I. It starts at the beginning to get a more complete picture of the subject at hand: Iran and its people. The fact that the book is so encompassing and looks beyond stereotypes makes it a valuable resource. Polk does an excellent job of taking all aspects of the Iranian world (culture, history, and political) and bringing into a logical and understandable kaleidoscope. He lays out clearly how Iran’s past is not something to be swept under the rug as it is “directly remembered by modern Iranians because it is being constantly reinforced” through its own cultural activities, its politics, and its interaction between the rest of the world.
As Polk desired to reveal more of the true Iran and everything that influenced what it has become today, the result was success. He states in an easy to read manner how Iran did not live in a bubble. The world within the boundaries and the world without had huge impacts on what one sees if they walked the streets of the Iranian cities and villages today. He clearly shows how the past is the present redefined and matured whether it is seen in a good or a bad light. There is no doubt what Iran is. Misconceptions are easily tossed aside as Polk examines the evidence in an objective and concise manner. The book could easily have been three times the size it was published at, but Polk wrote in a manner that was not lengthy yet to the point. He takes a country that “has had one of the world’s richest and most fascinating historical experiences” and gives the reader a glimpse into that past without having to spend weeks reading volumes of material.
The book is set up in a manner that can be read just to learn more and not as an academic manner. This is beneficial in encouraging the learning of the history and culture of Iran while not limiting it to those in the upper educational classrooms. It is also laid out for easy search if one is using it for academic purposes with a well laid out index and an extensive notes sections as well as bibliography. The book alone would make a valuable resource tool, but it also helps the eager learner to explore further than the book in their hands.
Missing from the book was any additional material in the form of maps, charts, or images. The book is not designed too much for the visual learner. The layout of the chapter is not broken out in sections with headings for easy reading retention or for research. Much is absent that would help enhance the book or bring about a more in depth learning. The visual reinforcement is not present in this book.
February 22, 2018
Fantastisk bog! Virkelig god beskrivelse af Iran gennem tiden, inklusiv de horrible overgreb landet har været igennem først fra Storbritannien og senere fra USA.
Det eneste der trækker ned ved bogen, er at William Polk ikke er typen der sætter sit lys under en skæppe - jeg har ikke en stor paratviden om Iran, så det var svært at forholde sig kritisk til hans beskrivelse af USAs diplomati under hans egen tid i administrationen. Min umiddelbare tanke er, at han har travlt ved håndvasken under dét kapitel...
Det eneste der trækker ned ved bogen, er at William Polk ikke er typen der sætter sit lys under en skæppe - jeg har ikke en stor paratviden om Iran, så det var svært at forholde sig kritisk til hans beskrivelse af USAs diplomati under hans egen tid i administrationen. Min umiddelbare tanke er, at han har travlt ved håndvasken under dét kapitel...
February 22, 2025
On of my favorite books and authors. Very informative and good storyteller
June 8, 2014
It's an OK primer on the country, better for less controversial ancient and medieval history, but lacking in current affairs: SO BIASED in its overview of the disputed 2009 presidential elections, basically asks the reader to believe that Ahmadinejad probably really was elected fair and square. Doesn't even entertain the idea that Khamenei could've benefitted from rigging the vote, implies instead that the opposition was full of sore losers.
The book is also riddled with typos and other signs of subpar editing, such as chronological confusion when discussing some of the medieval dynasties.
Still, it's a pretty good read -- not too dry -- and definitely does help you to understand Iran's political, social and economic history better.
The book is also riddled with typos and other signs of subpar editing, such as chronological confusion when discussing some of the medieval dynasties.
Still, it's a pretty good read -- not too dry -- and definitely does help you to understand Iran's political, social and economic history better.
July 14, 2015
I've just come back from two weeks travelling in Iran . I would highly recommend this book which is so well written, covering the complexities of a long and fascinating history and of recent events with an emphasis on American Iranian relationships . It was for me a " cant put down book " which is unusual for a non fiction . Iran is such a fascinating and important country .
September 20, 2020
We live in an era when the American government portrays Iran as a threat to the world, as a member of the Axis of evil, as theocracy in which every Friday evening millions chant, "Death to America" in houses of worship, a country with which it is impossible to have normal relations. Is this all true? and if it is partially true, then what lies behind it?
The author argues that we need to understand what has happened in Iran over the last 2,500 years to understand what is happening today, for this history lives in the collective subconsciousness of Iranian society. He starts with the pre-Islamic era when Persian power extended all the way to the Mediterranean and when the Persians believed in Zoroastrianism. He then describes how the Persian empire decayed and was run over by Arabs under the banner of Islam, Persia adapted. Its people converted to Islam voluntarily (this is an interesting insight, that the Arabs were not proselytizing), but they created their own version of Islam - Shia - and how Shia Islam builds on Zoroastrianism. He then describes how Shia Islam has been a central tenet of Iran for over thousand years, and what sets Iran apart from rest of the Islamic world.
Interestingly, Polk makes a case that throughout history, Iran's rulers have required the consent of its people to stay in power. It society has different power centers - Shia religious leaders, the military class represented by tribes and militias in the past, and merchants - and these power centers have competed for power. Over centuries, the ruling regime obtained the people's consent in different ways - by winning wars, by establishing royal lineage, or based on religion, sometimes all of these. According to Polk, even in the Islamic Republic, elections are relatively fair, and the political leadership is accountable to the people.
The author argues that we need to understand what has happened in Iran over the last 2,500 years to understand what is happening today, for this history lives in the collective subconsciousness of Iranian society. He starts with the pre-Islamic era when Persian power extended all the way to the Mediterranean and when the Persians believed in Zoroastrianism. He then describes how the Persian empire decayed and was run over by Arabs under the banner of Islam, Persia adapted. Its people converted to Islam voluntarily (this is an interesting insight, that the Arabs were not proselytizing), but they created their own version of Islam - Shia - and how Shia Islam builds on Zoroastrianism. He then describes how Shia Islam has been a central tenet of Iran for over thousand years, and what sets Iran apart from rest of the Islamic world.
Interestingly, Polk makes a case that throughout history, Iran's rulers have required the consent of its people to stay in power. It society has different power centers - Shia religious leaders, the military class represented by tribes and militias in the past, and merchants - and these power centers have competed for power. Over centuries, the ruling regime obtained the people's consent in different ways - by winning wars, by establishing royal lineage, or based on religion, sometimes all of these. According to Polk, even in the Islamic Republic, elections are relatively fair, and the political leadership is accountable to the people.
August 8, 2024
Very good book that provides great background on Iran and its history. Those who comment publicly about Iran's actions probably have no idea, nor a background like this. The author certainly appeared extremely knowledgeable on the subject.
- a bizarre in the ancient Persian times was a huge marketplace; great description in the book about these centers of city life in ancient Persia.
- Alexander the Great seemed to "convert" to middle eastern/Persian ways after his conquest of the region thus angering his Greek followers. PJK: I've heard of this before but the author gave good examples and context.
- The author questions if Rome was really the originator of their marvels, such as irrigation, extensive roads, etc, etc. Ancient Persia had such public works long before the Romans. PJK: excellent points.
- I really liked how the author described the ruler of Iran in the late 20s/30s, Reza Shah, who started Iran on many modern reforms. Only those older than I realize how progressive things were before the 1979 revolution.
- The author described later shahs who obsessed over fancy "toys" such as modern jet aircraft. Instead of investing in resources such as army tanks, etc... leaders tend to go after fancy shiny objects.
- Described the Iraq/Iran war and how Iran had a huge advantage in population, thus their human wave attacks when they didn't have the weaponry to fight properly.
- Described how the Iraq/Iran war kind of unified the country after the 1979 revolution. While Iraq thought they could destabilize/defeat Iran so soon after the revolution, it may have actually created a common enemy amongst the people.
- Sadly, the author described how the U.S. helped overthrow the Iranian government in the 1950s, thus starting a long distrust of the U.S.
- a bizarre in the ancient Persian times was a huge marketplace; great description in the book about these centers of city life in ancient Persia.
- Alexander the Great seemed to "convert" to middle eastern/Persian ways after his conquest of the region thus angering his Greek followers. PJK: I've heard of this before but the author gave good examples and context.
- The author questions if Rome was really the originator of their marvels, such as irrigation, extensive roads, etc, etc. Ancient Persia had such public works long before the Romans. PJK: excellent points.
- I really liked how the author described the ruler of Iran in the late 20s/30s, Reza Shah, who started Iran on many modern reforms. Only those older than I realize how progressive things were before the 1979 revolution.
- The author described later shahs who obsessed over fancy "toys" such as modern jet aircraft. Instead of investing in resources such as army tanks, etc... leaders tend to go after fancy shiny objects.
- Described the Iraq/Iran war and how Iran had a huge advantage in population, thus their human wave attacks when they didn't have the weaponry to fight properly.
- Described how the Iraq/Iran war kind of unified the country after the 1979 revolution. While Iraq thought they could destabilize/defeat Iran so soon after the revolution, it may have actually created a common enemy amongst the people.
- Sadly, the author described how the U.S. helped overthrow the Iranian government in the 1950s, thus starting a long distrust of the U.S.
August 14, 2025
This book offers a detailed historical overview of Iran, from ancient Persia to the modern Islamic Republic. Considering how much Iran is in the news lately, this can be a valuable resource for understanding the nation’s cultural and political evolution.
Polk’s credentials as a scholar and former State Department official lend to the book's credibility. His emphasis on Iran’s complex history, including its struggles with foreign interference, also provides important context for its current geopolitical stance. He also acknowledges much of Iran’s deep-seated mistrust of Western powers, particularly the U.S., arises due to historical interventions like the 1953 coup, which aligns with a realist view of foreign policy missteps. The history alone makes this a worthwhile read.
The book seems a bit too sympathetic of Iran’s perspective at times. This downplays the regime’s authoritarianism and support for terrorism, not a major theme in the book. Rather, the critique focuses more on Western policies, especially American ones, and seems to excuse Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Overall, it’s a useful but though contentious book at times, depending on the reader's views on diplomacy versus deterrence.
Polk’s credentials as a scholar and former State Department official lend to the book's credibility. His emphasis on Iran’s complex history, including its struggles with foreign interference, also provides important context for its current geopolitical stance. He also acknowledges much of Iran’s deep-seated mistrust of Western powers, particularly the U.S., arises due to historical interventions like the 1953 coup, which aligns with a realist view of foreign policy missteps. The history alone makes this a worthwhile read.
The book seems a bit too sympathetic of Iran’s perspective at times. This downplays the regime’s authoritarianism and support for terrorism, not a major theme in the book. Rather, the critique focuses more on Western policies, especially American ones, and seems to excuse Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Overall, it’s a useful but though contentious book at times, depending on the reader's views on diplomacy versus deterrence.
August 29, 2021
(audiobook) Highly recommended. Polk provides an insider’s understanding of Iranian history, culture, and politics. The book is more than just a linear history. Polk constantly draws long term connections between historical events and explains how they have influenced Iranian culture and continue to influence current events. As far as current politics go, he is highly critical of sanctions and he argues that they are counterproductive since they don’t hurt the ruling elite so much as they hurt the poor and working classes and generate anti-American sentiments in Iran. Sadly, the book was written before Trump’s election so the nuclear deal was still in place and Polk was optimistic about its success, though he warned of the consequences should Obama’s successor abandon the deal (which of course is what happened). The narrator is also excellent. I don’t usually like when narrators do accents when reading quotes but Paul Boehmer doesn’t overdo the accents and convincingly performs British, French, German, and Persian accents. Further, his pronunciation of Persian and Arabic words is excellent, which is quite a relief from the usual butchering done by American narrators.
April 14, 2025
William Polk was an academic who worked for the US State Department in the 1950s and 1960s on Middle East and North African policy. This book seeks to explain the tensions between Iran and the USA mostly from the perspective of Iran. Drawing from his scholarly background and his work in Iran, he traces the relationship between the two nations through their peaks and troughs over the years.
Having been subjected to centuries of different occupying powers and seeing the US' actions in Iraq, Iranians are trying to carve out a survival strategy and it is a bit surprising reading William's analysis of the matter and his subtle justification of Iranian actions. To William, an Iranian strategist would not completely give up nuclear weapons given US hardline neoconservatives' existential threat to the nation.
Perhaps the best part of the book is that people who are not fans of geopolitics can just enjoy the history of Persia and modern Iran which makes up about 80% of the book.
Having been subjected to centuries of different occupying powers and seeing the US' actions in Iraq, Iranians are trying to carve out a survival strategy and it is a bit surprising reading William's analysis of the matter and his subtle justification of Iranian actions. To William, an Iranian strategist would not completely give up nuclear weapons given US hardline neoconservatives' existential threat to the nation.
Perhaps the best part of the book is that people who are not fans of geopolitics can just enjoy the history of Persia and modern Iran which makes up about 80% of the book.
October 20, 2025
Early history was skimmed over quickly. Author focused more on events he was familiar with or involved in, which was interesting.. got a bit more detail on the the Islamic revolution, sanctions, and the JCPOA. But mostly just review and details I wasn't too interested in - some he-said/she-said from the negotiations. He did seem to emphasize that Iran had not been found to have plans for a nuclear weapon (according to top intelligence agencies). There used to be a push for nuclear weapons, but that was during the time of the (mostly American-friendly) Shah. After the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini declared that project un-islamic and put an immediate end to it. Nuclear facilities were greatly reduced and apparently only continued in pursuit of nuclear power. Book was written in 2009, so maybe it was updated to include details of the 2015 JCPOA and relations under the Obama administration?
April 13, 2020
While I can't say now that I necessarily "understand" Iran, I did learn a lot from reading this book. It primarily tells the history of the country from ancient times to modern in the first four chapters. The next two chapters focus on recent history, how the current political system developed and America's relationship with Iran. In an afterward, the author, who was a member of the Kennedy administration, points out flaws in the methodology for policy development and makes policy suggestions, some of which seem a bit unrealistic like nuclear disarmament in the Middle East. The author acknowledges the seeming unfeasibility of this but thinks it should be a long term goal. The book was written in 2009, ending with many things still up in the air about what could happen.
October 17, 2023
It's okay - the part about prehistory gives some, but not enough, understanding about Iran, comes across as more just like history. Which is fine. The author begins sounding like an apologist later on, injecting himself into his narrative of Iran (not surprisingly, he's right about everything Iran got wrong, something even Iranian leaders apparently privately admitted to him and him alone). This is fine but corrodes any sort of objectivity one hoped to gain from reading it.
It's also, at this point, pretty dated. 2009 in Iranian history might as well be talking about the Safavids.
It's an okay book but I would not recommend one read it as a survey of Iranian history, culture, or politics.
It's also, at this point, pretty dated. 2009 in Iranian history might as well be talking about the Safavids.
It's an okay book but I would not recommend one read it as a survey of Iranian history, culture, or politics.
May 12, 2025
William R. Polk's Understanding Iran: Everything You Need to Know, From Persia to the Islamic Republic, From Cyrus to Khamenei offers a comprehensive exploration of Iran's rich history, culture, and its complex relationship with the West. Drawing from his extensive experience as a historian and former U.S. diplomat, Polk provides readers with a nuanced perspective on a nation that has held our interest and awe since time memorial.
The book captures the ancient and medieval history in great depth and clarity. I totally enjoyed the historical and cultural insights of persia.
the current analysis is not as detailed and clear, probably because of the complex diplomatic relationships we have today.
over all a very informative and interesting read.
The book captures the ancient and medieval history in great depth and clarity. I totally enjoyed the historical and cultural insights of persia.
the current analysis is not as detailed and clear, probably because of the complex diplomatic relationships we have today.
over all a very informative and interesting read.
July 17, 2022
Lots of info., like a good high school textbook: The evolving forms of Elamite writing, which first appeared around 3000 BCE, suggest similarities with the Dravidian languages of aboriginal India.
Cyrus the Great’s string of great conquests ended when a nomad queen named Tomyris cut off his head. She had reportedly warned him against trying to expand his empire into Central Asia: “Glutton as you are for blood … get out of my country with your forces intact … If you refuse, I swear by the sun our master to give you more blood than you can drink.”
Cyrus the Great’s string of great conquests ended when a nomad queen named Tomyris cut off his head. She had reportedly warned him against trying to expand his empire into Central Asia: “Glutton as you are for blood … get out of my country with your forces intact … If you refuse, I swear by the sun our master to give you more blood than you can drink.”
March 9, 2024
3.5 to 4 stars, author William R. Polk was in a very unique and knowledgeable position when he wrote “Understanding Iran”. There’s certainly a lot of value information here. Particularly enlightening was the last couple of chapters on the G.W. Bush administration and its hardline aggressive approach to Iran. The book ends prior to the 2016 US presidential election. It would be nice to have the book updated. I would recommend a more current book, at least to supplement this one.
February 24, 2020
An adequate read. I found it worrying that he mislabled Qahtani and his followers as Iranians, when they were Saudis. Its a short book that covers nearly 4,000 years of history so you're only getting a survey of the history. Polk did serve in the Kennedy administration and worked on Iran so he is a primary source on some of the events covered in this book.
March 10, 2024
Masterly told
The writing style is very engaging. Here a master on the subject speaks. Recommended to all those that closely follow now the Gaza war. The alternative to war games, as presented, makes a lot of sense and the author applies it toward the end of his book. AI will be able to perfect forecasts.
The writing style is very engaging. Here a master on the subject speaks. Recommended to all those that closely follow now the Gaza war. The alternative to war games, as presented, makes a lot of sense and the author applies it toward the end of his book. AI will be able to perfect forecasts.
June 30, 2025
I didn’t have a good understanding of Iranian history and how we got to where we are now in our relationship with the Iranians. This book provided the perfect level of insight so I can understand the conflict of today. If this is an issue you have an interest in, this book is great. It is very well written as well. Kudos to the author.
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June 24, 2022From Follett:
A history of Iran that discusses how understanding the country's history, religion, culture, and politics, and the evolution of Persian culture in general, is crucial for the safety of the United States as the Middle Eastern country becomes a dominant economic power in its region.
A history of Iran that discusses how understanding the country's history, religion, culture, and politics, and the evolution of Persian culture in general, is crucial for the safety of the United States as the Middle Eastern country becomes a dominant economic power in its region.
June 17, 2019
Timely. Well-written history with good detail on modern developments. Drops off at implementation of JCPOA, but excellent coverage up to that point.
February 7, 2024
4.5 stars
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April 27, 2024Incredibly dense. Reads like a lecture full of dates and facts you’re expected to know for the next exam. But it was informative.
July 18, 2024
Good at breaking down a complicated issue shouldn't be your only book on the topic. Gave some good context to complicated events
January 5, 2025
Editorializes a bit, but overall a good summary
April 2, 2025
Interesting and informative, though certain pages practically drip with his disdain of religion.
April 19, 2025
It's ok it's not really about Iran tho, more
An American view point on Arab forget policy
An American view point on Arab forget policy
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