Table of Contents

List of Maps and Illustrations vii Acknowledgments ix Note on Transliteration xi Preface xv Prologue Zenith 1 Chapter One The Fall of the Safavid Dynasty 17 Chapter Two Tahmasp Qoli Khan 57 Chapter Three War with the Afghans 75 Chapter Four War with the Ottomans 99 Chapter Five Coup d’État 117 Chapter Six Nader Shah 137 Chapter Seven To the Gates of Delhi 175 Chapter Eight The Ruin of Persia 211 Chapter Nine Towers of Skulls 243 Chapter Ten Full Circle 275 Notes 287 Select Bibliography 329 Index 339

Promotional Information

Nader Shah, ruler of Persia from 1736 to 1747, embodied ruthless ambition, energy, military brilliance, cynicism and cruelty. His reign was filled with bloodshed, betrayal and horror. Yet Nader Shah is central to Iran's early modern history. This book features the story of this remarkable, ruthless man, capable of both charm and brutality.

About the Author

Michael Axworthy teaches Middle East history at Exeter University. Before deciding on an academic career he was head of the Iran Section in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and has frequently travelled to Iran, both as a diplomat and an historian. He is also the author of Iran: Empire of the Mind: A History from Zoroaster to the Present Day.

Reviews

"'The best biography of the year...a superb introduction to Iran itself...not just a beautifully-written compelling work but one that is also utterly relevant today.' Simon Sebag Montefiore 'a very successful [biography]. Michael Axworthy knows his Persia...and he writes well: this is an excellent story, very ably told.' David Morgan, Times Literary Supplement"