About the Book

The Iranian Revolution was a mass upsurge that totally transformed the country by bringing together practically every section of the society to replace the secular Pahlavi monarchy and overthrow the entire political, cultural, economic, and social apparatus that, in one form or another, had persisted for 2,500 years. It differed from the earlier great revolutions – the French in 1789, the Russian in 1917, and the Chinese in 1949 – not only in content but also in inspiration. Unlike any of them, the Iranian Revolution was led by the ulema, who looked back to their past as a model for their future. This book looks at the revolution as it passes through various phases, the salient developments during Pahlavi’s rule, the open confrontation between the ruling elite and revolutionary elements until the overthrow of the monarchy and return of Khomeini, factors and forces that facilitated the success of the revolutionary upheaval, the democratic process, the dramatic seizure of the American embassy, and, lastly, the power struggle that started after the success of the revolution. This book, first published in 1985, is an essential reading for all students and scholars interested in Iran and the revolution.