Riza Shah Pahlavi

the long version

"When first published in 1975, this book for the first time in any language was the full-length study of Riza [Reza] Shah Pahlavi and his time. His participation in the coup d'etat of 1921 marked the opening stage of resurrection of Iran [Persia], while his coronation in 1926 as the first monarch of the Pahlavi dynasty marked the unfolding of its reconstruction. This is the story of a man who loved his country more than life itself. Born in 1878, starting on a career as a soldier with little education and no fortune, he became an absolute monarch, implacable on his hatred of foreign influence, demanding of himself and his people. Rising through the ranks of the army, holding council with no one, Riza Shah envisaged a modern and powerful nation, and when the opportunity came he seized it--striving to unite the villagers, the nomads, the city dwellers into a strongly nationalistic, progressive country"--Provided by publisher.