The Shah

Abbas Milani has written the only book about the late Shah of Iran you will ever need. Much material based on declassified materials this book explores many of the myths and historical revisionism that surrounds the fall of the Iranian monarchy. Professor Milani is scholar and historian and a trusted source on Iranian matters.

Abbas Milani in beautiful prose provides an in-depth overview of the Shah's rise and fall in an objective manner relying on primary sources (declassified documents), diary letters, and interviews with the people involved and in close proximity within the Shah's regime. I understand that some monarchists may feel that this book has a slant against the Shah; while those irrationally against the Shah may on the other hand feel that it to be in contrast be too positively reflect on the Shah. In reality, this is a nuanced book that provides in details the evidence of both the good and bad of the Shah and how this manifested with him at the helm of the Peacock Throne. I also enjoyed the fact that it provided quite some detailed sources on Reza Shah Khan's tenure as well as an objective outlook on the authoritarian tendencies of Mossadeq. The Shah certainly had lots of faults but the one thing that you cannot say is that he did not love his country. He wanted the best for his people and for his country and unfortunately Iran has gone only down hill since the regressive revolution of 1979. It is important that we all learn history in its most objective forms so that we can have a better understanding of the lessons history affords us in helping us become much wiser. This book has definitely been one of my favorite books of all time. A highly recommended read.

Very complete picture of the history of the the Shah. This book puts Prof. Milani in the ranks of those who understand the Middle East, and the (typically naive/misguided) role the West has played largely due to our poor understanding of middle eastern culture. I would like to see more of Prof. Mlani's contributions to the op-ed pages in our press. He seems to have a very balanced perspective of this part of our planet.

In a decade when an entire generation forget the mistakes of judgement that led the last generation to judge themselves and their leaders over-simplistically, Abbas Milani's The Shah gives the reader a refreshing reminder of the complexities of the arc of human politics.

A pathetic story. The author is passively giving accounts of events following Shah's demise. Not a good read and not worth wasting time.

This was going to be a wonderful read in my eBook collection, except it is blocked justified with no option to left justify the text. Kindle says, publishers decide Left or Right or block justifications. Probably Mr Milani is unaware of this problem. Those of us who actually read books are more comfortable with Left justified text. Block justified may be "pretty" by it is harder to read. I wish the publishers allowed readers to choose what format they are comfortable reading. I searched online, and it seemed many readers have the same complain as I, let readers choose the text justification and not force a single style that is hard to read.I still am going give it a high rating because the said problem is from the publisher and not the writer of the book.

Excellent !

This book is so well written - I have been glued to it since I first got it in the mail - filled with every detail that makes the fall fo this historical figure such a gripping read. It has also inspired me to read further into the culture and cuisine of Iran - great book, highly recommended

I have read many books on the Shah, none as insightful, detailed and as well researched as this. The book not only covers the Shah's life but delves into minutiae of development of modern Iran. The book is perceptively written by an Iranian author, without bias, who's lived through the period.

Provides insight into the downfall of the Shah and describes the suffering of the people.

A fair narrative of the shah biography. Though it has a strong historical point of view, it's easy and interesting to follow the book. It does shed light on different stage of his life and recent history of Iran.

Make excellent reading, thoroughly recommended for political and history buffs. The writer is obviously well informed on the subject and has done his research.

Quick delivery, great quality. I couldn't be happier.