THE SPLENDOUR OF IRAN, Nasrollah Pourjavady

The Splendour of Iran provides new insight into both the traditions and contemporary life of one of the world's most ancient civilizations. With 1,250 photographs, the book displays the richness of Persian culture from the glories of Iran's past, such as the ruined city of Persepolis and the mosques at Isfahan, to contemporary scenes of city and rural life, as well as works of art from museums and collections drawn from every corner of Iran and beyond.

The three volumes cover every aspect of Iran's art and culture, from the Sasanian reliefs at Parsargadae through contemporary wall painting in Tehran, including architecture, sculpture, gardens, mosaics, paintings, miniatures, illuminated manuscripts, carpets, gold and silverware-from ancient times through to the collection of the ex-Shah-and ceramics. The recent history and present-day life of the Iranian people is also shown through original photography and commentary.

More than a survey, this is a fresh approach to the subject through new photography, high-quality design and lucid text written by Iran's leading academics and art historians. They light on Iran's recent history and contemporary life as much as its past, but above all convey a vibrant sense of the country, its art, and its people.

PERSIAN PILGRIMAGES: Journeys Across Iran, Afshin Molavi

The truths about Iran—quite different truths from versions put forward by Washington, Tehran, and the media are explored here. Molavi, born in Iran and fluent in Farsi, travelled his homeland for over a year. Along the way, he met with students of the right and left, bazaar merchants, Islamic clerics, pro-democracy writers, Islamic hard-liners, feminists, government officials, and kids hooked on anything western. All opened their hearts to Molavi, speaking candidly about issues that matter to them: unemployment, freedom, religion, poetry, history, love, marriage, the Internet, the ruling clerics, and green cards. Throughout his journey, Molavi weaves the tale of nearly 3,000 years of Iranian history through pilgrimages to important historical sites and monuments. This book penetrates the soul of Iran.

We meet the ordinary and extraordinary people of Iran -- men and women whose lives extend beyond Western news stories of kidnappings, terrorism, and Islamic fundamentalism. Peppered with accounts of Iran's Islamic Revolution and political analyses of the country, Wearing gives Iranians the chance to reveal themselves beyond headlines and stereotypes and in so doing, reveals the poetry of their lives.