The Iranian revolution still baffles most Western observers. Few considered the rise of theocracy in a modernized state possible, and fewer thought it might result from a popular revolution. This book provides a thoughtful and intelligible account of the turmoil in Iran, revealing the importance of this singular event for our understanding of revolutions.

"Sheds light not only on the events themselves but also on the idea of revoultion itself and its meaning within the modern context....An informative book, one which will repay careful study on the part of anyone who is not satisfied with simplistic answers to the emergence and development of the Islamic Republic of Iran."--Journal of the American Academy of Religion "An intelligent and important book, and I find his chapter on the Iranian revolution in comparative perspective breathtaking."--American Historical Review "Excellent. Surely one of the best accounts, in terms of its comprehensiveness and lucidity, of the Iranian rebellion."--Randall Ponwells, University of Central Arkansas "Provides a wealth of background on Islam and the history of Iran that helps put the past decade in perspective....A thought-provoking work and a major contribution to serious scholarship on Iran, modern revolutions, and the role of religion in contemporary politics."--Robin Wright, The New York Times Book Review "Integrate[s] well the themes of Islam and revolutionary politics and present[s] an authoritative menu for understanding the contemporary Arab world and Islam."--Library Journal "Presents the Iranian revolution in a context. The players in that drama may be no more lovable after you read this book, but they will be much more comprehensible."--The Chicago Tribune "Not only exciting history but a splendid explanation of a complex and intricate story."--The Newark Star Ledger "An authoritative and insightful analysis of the Iranian scene, which will be helpful in the years ahead to Iran-watchers who will be asking whether a workable relationship is possible between technical modernization and traditional Shi'ite values."--Cyril E. Black "An authoritative and insightful analysis of the Iranian scene."--Cyril E. Black "Interesting and insightful...thought-provoking....Arjomand's research is impressive, his style elegant...and his hypothesis on the significance of religion in revolutions suggests an important line of inquiry and future research, especially in comparative studies of revolution."--Val Moghadam, Center for Iranian Research and Analysis Newsletter "[Shows] excellent control of the issues and sources." --Thomas Naff, University of Pennsylvania "A lucid explanation of the factors...that made the Iranian Revolution possible....Indispensable for anyone seeking to understand that revolution."--John Alden Williams, College of William and Mary "Conceptually demanding but well worth the effort."--John Voll, University of New Hampshire "An impressively researched, very useful book. Highly recommended."--John Spencer, Middlebury College "The best book yet for comprehending the Iranian revolution."--Edward Friedman, University of Wisconsin "Fine text."--Christopher Melchert, Wake Forest University