"The American media has portrayed Iran as a remote country inhabited by a people who speak an obscure tongue called Farsi and whose religious fanaticism is unmatched. For those who recall this image when they hear mention of Iran, this work offers new, engaging perspectives. Iran, with its almost three thousand years of history, is home to one of the world's richest and most complex cultures. Daniel, a world-renowned expert on Iran, distinguishes the Iranian people from their Arab neighbors by fully exploring the country's history and culture. The History of Iran is an objective and intriguing portrait of Iran's complex history. This innovative work is ideal for student use and for the interested reader."--Résumé de l'éditeur.