“William Polk has written a superb and insightful historical account of Iran and the evolution of the Persian culture. This should be required reading not just for all those involved in Iranian policy making but for all those interested in understanding this critical nation and society.” —General Anthony C. Zinni USMC (Retired), co-author of Leading the Charge and The Battle for Peace

“A great scholar's brilliant appreciation of Iranian culture and history.” —Dr. Khodadad Farmanfarmaian, former Deputy Prime Minister of Iran

“Essential reading...a study of depth and clarity.” —Terrell Arnold, former chairman of the Department of International Studies at the U.S. National War College

“This is an easy read with a very big payoff -- a nuanced understanding of Iran as a complex society whose perceptions and politics are shaped by readily comprehensible history, religious traditions, and recent experience. Polk's writing is erudite but not academic; his prose is lucid and his policy experience shows. If you know someone in the United States government dealing with Iran or the Middle East, give that person this book; the prospects of American policy success vis-à-vis both could go up considerably.” —Ambassador Chas W. Freeman, Jr. (USFS, Ret.), former assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs