FALL OF THE PEACOCK THRONE: The Story of Iran

by William H. Forbis ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 23, 1979

In this lively, graphic introduction to the history, manners, and customs of the modern Iranians, journalist Forbis brings out the dual nature of the Iranian psyche. Iran is both an independent Indo-European nation--in existence long before the Muslim conquests--and a deeply religious Muslim community espousing the Shi'a branch of Islam. Not recognizing the legality of any secular authority, the Shi'a rely for guidance upon their religious teachers while they await the return of the hidden Imam, a scion of the family of Muhammad's son-in-law, 'Ali. The Shah made the mistake of overemphasizing the nationalist elements by aggrandizing the Pahlavi dynasty originated by his father, by setting up an elaborate ceremonial court evocative of the past, and by stressing Iran's Persian heritage to the neglect of religion. Then, via the development of oil resources, he tried to force major-power status on a people reluctant to play the role of Persian-Gulf policeman. And so, as Forbis explains the downfall of Muhammad Reza Pahlavi, King of Kings and Light of the Aryans, the pendulum swings back to leadership by religious officials and teachers who never recognized the legitimacy of the Pahlavi dynasty, and who ban caviar, music, and Persian miniature painting--all anathema to the religious but nevertheless part of Iranian culture. Forbis, writing from a Western viewpoint, praises the Shah's attempts at land reform, industrialization, and education but condemns the use of SAVAK, the notorious secret police. All the while he takes interesting--though hardly original--note of such diverse aspects of Iranian life as Persian rugs and pistachio nuts, the tight-knit families and the apathetic work habits. His impressions provide a readable, if sometimes glib, encounter with a culture enigmatic to Europeans--and a background for understanding the latest newsbreaks.

Pub Date: Jan. 23, 1979

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1979

Categories: NONFICTION