In this detailed examination of contemporary Iran, renowned scholars explore issues relating to politics, international relations and society, and the way in which the country is perceived by the outside world. The strength of this volume is its inclusion of perspectives from inside Iran, whether based on interviews, personal reflections, or studied observation. The essays avoid complicated theorization, a fact that will make these readings accessible to a wide variety of undergraduate readers. These essays may also be helpful for scholars outside of Iranian studies who seek to add comparative data to undergraduate courses. Kathleen Foody PhD College of Charleston