Monika Gronke. History of Iran. From Islamisation to the present day. C.H. Beck: München, 2003, 128 pp., 7,90 € [in German only: Geschichte Irans. Von der Islamisierung bis zur Gegenwart]

Already in its introduction, the “History of Iran” presents the reader with a concise description of the geography and the multinational problems of Iran. Besides the description of the Arabic conquest and the following ruling dynasties, part 1 contains a concise but easily understandable distinction between Shiites and Sunnites.

Part 2 deals with the rule of the Turks and Mongols. Apart from historical events, it contains information on culture and literature and explains terms like “Sultan” or “Assassins”.

Part 3 focuses on the developments in modern Iran. These include the influence of Russia and England on Iranian territory as well as the growing involvement of Iranian clergy in political life.

Part 4 summarizes the most important stages of the last 200 years in Iranian history, among others the events of the Iranian Revolution, the current president Khatami and the situation of women in Iran. Unfortunately, the conciseness of presentation in this “knowledge” series prevents a more in-depth examination of backgrounds like e.g. of the tense international situation of Iran today, of the relationship with Iraq, of Iranian policy in the Middle East and of terrorism.

The author’s aim is to contribute to a better understanding of the historical developments in one of the most important countries of the Islamic orient. And she certainly has succeeded.