In this Very Short Introduction Ali Ansari provides a radical reinterpretation of Iranian history and politics, placing the Islamic Revolution in the context of a century of political change and social transformation, to gain a fuller understanding of Iran's identity, culture, and politics. This book is written in a lively and accessible style. It is full of insights into modern Iran, the most important of which is the continuing impact of Iran's mythology and long history on the present. It should be required reading for anyone proposing to negotiate with Iranians, whether in politics or business.