Front cover of "A Modern History of Iran" (2012, Cambridge University Press) by the neo-Marxist modern historian Ervan Abrahamian (1940-). The cover shows an illustration of everyday life in the capital city, Tehran. We see a multi-lane highway, gridlocked with traffic which is stopped at overhead red lights. Silver street lights and trees flank the thoroughfare. In the background, modern buildings rise: a tower under construction and a high-rise building with light grey squares of cladding and two huge portraits of (I think) Reza Shah Pahlavi and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
If you want to educate yourself about #Iran, this is a good place to start. (Much has happened since its publication, so any additional sources welcome.) It was recommended to me by an Iranian friend. This morning I was thinking of his family in Shiraz, Fars ostan. #WindsOfWar #BookSky #HistorySky