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Riza Shah Pahlavi. The Resurrection and Reconstruction of Iran, 1878-1944

With a New Introduction by Valentine Peggy Wilber

Donald N. Wilber

Availability: In stock
Published: 2016
Page #: xxxvii + 325
Size: 6 x 9
ISBN: 1-56859-299-X, ISBN 13:978-1568592992
plates, bibliography, index, notes


$40.00

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Quick Overview

When first published in 1975, this book was the first full-length study of Riza (Reza) Shah Pahlavi and his times in any language and remains the definitive study. His participation in the coup d’etat of 1921 marked the opening stage of the resurrection of Iran (Persia), while his Coronation in 1926 as the first monarch of the Pahlavi dynasty marked the unfolding of its reconstruction. This is the story of a man who loved his country more than life itself.
Born in 1878, embarking on a career as a soldier with little education and no fortune, he became an absolute monarch, implacable on his hatred of foreign influence, demanding of himself and his people. Rising through the ranks of the army, holding counsel with no one, Riza Shah envisaged a modern and powerful nation, and when the opportunity came he seized it—striving to unite the villagers, the nomads, the city dwellers into a strongly nationalistic, progressive country.
Often employing harsh and relentless pressures, this ruler established security, built a road and rail system, began industrialization, brought about universal education, emancipated women, and instituted a uniform legal system; he preserved the Islamic faith but limited the power of the clerical hierarchy, and in the end, having made giant strides, he was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, as a result of the Anglo-Soviet occupation of his country in World War II.
Donald N. Wilber draws upon his vast knowledge of the culture and complex history of Persia (Iran) , upon the writings of scholars in many languages and upon first-hand, original sources to present a portrait of astounding detail and precise chronology—a fascinating insight into the earlier stages in the transformation of a deteriorating nation into a modern superpower.
Fully annotated, illustrated with many unique photographs, and containing a comprehensive bibliography and index, this work will be of immense value to the students and scholars of Iran and the Middle East for many years to come.

author

Donald N. Wilber

d. February 2, 1997.

Introduction to the First Paperback Edition
by Valentine P. Wilber

List of Illustrations

Author's Preface

PRELUDE

I. Riza Khan: Up through the Ranks (1878-1920)

II. Background to Change: Iran at the End of 1920

RESURRECTION

III. The Coup d'Etat (1921)

IV. The Government of Sayyid Ziya' al-Din Tabataba'i (1921)

V. Riza Khan Establishes Internal Security (1921-1923)

VI. Prime Minister Riza Khan: Toward a Republic (1923-1924)

VII. Prime Minister Riza Pahlavi: Toward the Throne (1924-1925)

RECONSTRUCTION

VIII. The Pahlavi Dynasty Established: "I am going to be the Shah" (1926-1927)

IX. "Why is it that… everything goes badly?" (1927-1930)

X. ''The Improvement of Economic Affairs" (1930-1933)

XI. " 'Work' has been our own slogan" (1933-1935)

XII. "The People of Iran…will make any sacrifice for the progress of their Country" (1936-1938)

XIII. The Last Stage: "Things are not as they ought to be" (1939-1941)

POSTLUDE

XIV. Exile: "My heart's grief has burned me" (1941-1944)

XV. "For me nothing is impossible"-The Image and the Man

XVI. "Since the beginning of my reign I have been preoccupied with the task of the reconstruction of the country"-Methods and Results

Bibliography
Index

1/17/2017

 
"Much new material has been added in this 2016 edition, viz., the importance of Joseph Mason Upton and his friendship with Donald Wilber. Personal remembrances of Donald Wilber by his daughter add an historical dimension that was not present in the 1975 edition. This book is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the current political ferment in contemporary Iran. Donald Wilber was a 20th century Iranologist on par with Ann Marie Schimmel, Richard Ettinghausen , Arthur Upham Pope and Richard Frye
— Joel Hettg
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