The Shah

About this book

Though his monarchy was toppled in 1979 and he died in 1980 the life of Mohammad-Reza Shah Pahlevi the last Shah of Iran continues to resonate today. Here internationally respected author Abbas Milani gives us the definitive biography more than ten years in the making of the monarch who shaped Irans modern age and with it the contemporary politics of the Middle East. The Shahs was a life filled with contradictionas a social reformer he built schools increased equality for women and greatly reduced the power of the Shia clergy. He made Iran a global power courting Western leaders from Churchill to Carter and nationalized his countrys many natural resources. But he was deeply conflicted and insecure in his powerful role. Intolerant of political dissent he was eventually overthrown by the very people whose loyalty he so desperately sought. This comprehensive and gripping account shows us how Iran went from politically moderate monarchy to totalitarian Islamic republic. Milani reveals the complex and sweeping road that would bring the U.S. and Iran to where they are today.