America and Iran Audiobook By John Ghazvinian cover art

America and Iran

A History, 1720 to the Present

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America and Iran

By: John Ghazvinian
Narrated by: Fred Sanders
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A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF THE YEAR • A hugely ambitious, “delightfully readable, genuinely informative” portrait (The New York Times) of the two-centuries-long entwined histories of Iran and America—two powers who were once allies and now adversaries—by an admired historian and former journalist.

In this rich, fascinating history, John Ghazvinian traces the complex story of the relations between these two nations back to the Persian Empire of the eighteenth century—the subject of great admiration by Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams—and an America seen by Iranians as an ideal to emulate for their own government.

Drawing on years of archival research both in the United States and Iran—including access to Iranian government archives rarely available to Western scholars—the Iranian-born, Oxford-educated historian leads us through the four seasons of U.S.–Iran relations: the spring of mutual fascination; the summer of early interactions; the autumn of close strategic ties; and the long, dark winter of mutual hatred. Ghazvinian makes clear where, how, and when it all went wrong. America and Iran shows why two countries that once had such heartfelt admiration for each other became such committed enemies—and why it didn’t have to turn out this way. Middle East World Iran Soviet Union Military Self-Determination Imperialism War Russia Latin America Socialism Imperial Japan Refugee Africa

Critic reviews

"An expert on Iran delineates the massive rift between the erstwhile 'closest of allies' ... relevant, highly elucidating ... an evenhanded, revelatory narrative in which the author avoids muddying the waters with an overtly political agenda. An excellent single-volume history of a fraught international relationship."--Kirkus (starred review)

"Ghazvinian describes in exquisite detail the relationship between Iran and the United States--from its inception in the years before the American Revolution to the present day. Beautifully laid out and at time reading like a thriller you don't want to put down ... Ghazvinian deftly shows us when, where, and why things went (and still do go) wrong. If ever the question 'why do they hate us' arises in the Iranian context, just read this book."--Hooman Majd, author of The Ayatollah Begs to Differ

"History in the hands of a master. Ghazvinian leads us far beyond the mindless shouting of recent decades to tell a story of friendship, sacrifice, and discovery. Should be required reading in both Tehran and Washington."--Ambassador John Limbert, US Deputy Secretary of State for Iran (2009-10); former hostage in the US Embassy in Tehran (1979-81)
Comprehensive Historical Analysis • Accessible Storytelling • Excellent Narration • Informative Perspective

Highly rated for:

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for anyone interested in learning about the the roots of revolution in Iran and better understanding today's political undercurrents

Well written and must read

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Fair and clear minded analysis brimming with historical context. Absolutely loved it! I learned new things about Iran and my own country.

Made me rethink everything I thought I knew about Iran

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Well written and read. Learned so much. Easily digestible with out being too basic shallow

Tremendous

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This book is a masterclass in translating scholarly historical work into a history that is accessible to a broader audience. Not only was the story really compelling told, but I found myself repeatedly stopping to jot down notes of US-Iranian events that I was not aware of but had important implications.

The narrator of the book also did an excellent job.

Outstanding telling of a complex history

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It makes one believe that we all have an obligation to understand the responsibility that we and our representative governments have toward diplomacy to bring people of different cultures to work together. The peace of the world depends on our common interest and not on continuing the mutual distrust that has been part of recent history. We need always open to our shared interests and mutual needs. Look for similarities and reconcile our differences with mutual respect. This book brings this point front and center with governments that are responsible to there electorate. Those who are in power that make decisions that only seek to protect their shortsightedness to stay in power do the most damage to the office that they have the privilege to hold for all prosperity. I have a complete change of my previously held point of view with regard of our government’s handling of foreign affairs in the Middle East. We need more direct engagement not less with our regional partners and adversaries. Iran has always been more like the US than any country in the Middle East than even the most hawkish elements on both sides would care to admit. Don’t let another 40 years of tragedy continue with such a shortsightedness that dominates our minds. The people of both countries are the ones to suffer not the politicians or the ones in power. I personally had the experience to fly over the country in 2006-2009 while employed as a commercial airline pilot. I was amazed at the beautiful landscape and realized that the hopes and aspirations of the people below were no different than me.

Truly a detailed analysis of complex subject.

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