Islam and Revolution I: Writings and Declarations of Imam Khomeini (1941-1980)

By Ruhollah Khomeini, Hamid Algar

This unprecedented collection in English of notable works by Imam Khomeini, ranging in date from 1941 to 1980, makes it possible for non-Iranians to become directly acquainted with hsi ideas and to examine the convictions that underlay his indomitable mien. He was undeniably one of the most important figures of the age, not only for his roles as principle strategist of a successful revolutionary movement and supervisor of the Islamic order it ushered in, but also for his unhesitating promotion of what he saw as a global Islamic mission -- the union of all Muslim peoples.

About the Author

English-born Hamid Algar, who is responsible for the volume's translation, annotations, and introduction, holds a Ph. D. in Oriental Studies form Cambridge. Since 1965 he has served on the faculty of the Department of Near Eastern Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he teaches Persian and Islamic history and philosophy. Dr. Algar had written extensively on the religious history of Iran and has translated many works for publication in several languages.

Roots of the Islamic Revolution in Iran (Four Lectures)
by Hamid Algar

In the summer of 1979, at a time when the viability of the Islamic Republic of Iran was being widely questioned in the Western media and the historical background of the revolution that had led to its establishment was largely unknown, Hamid Algar delivered four lectures on the Islamic Revolution at the Muslim Institute inLondon. In clear and concise fashion, he examined the historical links between Iran and Shi’a Islam; the life and personality of Imam Khomeini, leader of the Islamic Revolution; the career and ideas of Ali Shari’ati, "religious intellectual;" and the course of the events that in little more than a year led to the overthrow of one of the most deeply entrenched dictatorships in the Muslim world. Now reissued in substantially revised form, the text of these lectures remains a useful introduction to the revolution, arguably the most important event in modern Muslim history. New translations made by the author from the writings of Imam Khomeini and Ali Shari’ati enhance the utility of the work.

The Making of Iran's Islamic Revolution: From Monarchy to Islamic Republic
by Mohsen M. Milani

In this fully revised and expanded second edition, Dr. Milani offers new insights into the causes and profound consequences of Iran's Islamic Revolution. Drawing on dozens of personal interviews with the officials of the Islamic Republic and on recently released documents, he presents a provocative analysis of the dynamics and characteristics of factional politics in Islamic Iran. Among the new issues covered are the events leading up to the Teheran hostage crisis, Ayatollah Khomeini's life and writings, President Rafsanjani's activities against the Shah, Rafsanjani's recent reforms, Iran's involvement in the Kuwaiti crisis, and the domestic and foreign policy challenges facing Iran in the post-Cold War era.