All the Shah's Men
Book description
With a thrilling narrative that sheds much light on recent events, this national bestseller brings to life the 1953 CIA coup in Iran that ousted the country’s elected prime minister, ushered in a quarter-century of brutal rule under the Shah, and stimulated the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and anti-Americanism in…
Why read it?
2 authors picked All the Shah's Men as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror by Stephen Kinzer. Honestly, if I was Ben Affleck I would have made a movie based on this book instead of Argo. Kinzer’s book exposes the United States and the UK’s role in creating the Iran of today by detailing Operation Ajax—or the coup that caused the downfall of elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. Spoiler alert: it had a lot to do with oil. What’s devasting is to picture what Iran would look like today without foreign intervention in the 1950s.
From Sara's list on life inside and outside of Iran.
The true story of how in 1953, the CIA, aided by the British, conspired to overthrow Iran’s democratically elected prime-minister – an incident which is now considered to have led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Kinzer has a storyteller’s instinct and this book reads like a thriller, weaving a gripping story around the intrigue, skullduggery and the personalities involved.
From Lois' list on understanding modern Iran.
Want books like All the Shah's Men?
Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like All the Shah's Men.
Browse books like All the Shah's Men
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in politics, Iran, and the Middle East?
10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about politics, Iran, and the Middle East.