This book contains the most detailed and comprehensive statement of Homa Katouzian's theory of arbitrary state and society in Iran, and its applications to Iranian history and politics, both modern and traditional. Every chapter is a study of its own specific topics while being firmly a part of the whole argument. The discussions include close comparisons with the history of Europe to demonstrate the diversities of the logic and sociology of Iranian history from their European counterparts. Being the first modern theory of Iranian history, it is highly regarded by Iranian historians and social scientists, especially as it has helped to resolve many of the anomalies resulting from the application of traditional theories.

Homa Katouzian is a social scientist and literary critic. He has taught at various universities, including UCLA and the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton. An Associate Member of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford, his publications include State and Society in Iran (2000), Sadeq Hedayat: The Life and Legend of an Iranian Writer (1991), Musaddiq and the Struggle for Power in Iran (1990), The Political Economy of Modern Iran (1981) and Ideology and Method in Economics (1980).