Shah of Shahs

By Ryszard Kapuściński,

Book cover of Shah of Shahs

Book description

Shah of Shahs depicts the final years of the Shah in Iran, and is a compelling meditation on the nature of revolution and the devastating results of fear. Here, Kapuscinski describes the tyrannical monarch, who, despite his cruel oppression of the Iranian people, sees himself as the father of a…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Shah of Shahs as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Written in a powerful journalistic style, this short but compelling book tells of the last years of the Shah’s reign, focusing in painful detail on the brutality of Savak, his secret police force, his detachment from his subjects, and setting the scene for the inevitable revolution that would seal his downfall. The fear on the streets is palpable.

From Lois' list on understanding modern Iran.

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