Somervill, Barbara A. Iran.

Somervill, Barbara A.   Iran. Scholastic/ Childrens Press  144p  $27.30  978-0-531-25311-3           ms/hs Series: Enchantment of the World(Scholastic/Childrens)#5  VG       

With its lovely writing style and wide variety of research topics, this book is a very good resource for an individual who wants to learn about a country experiencing both successes and struggles.  Barbara Somervill examines Iran and attempts to make factual information as interesting as possible through the use of vivid photographs, excellent charts and impeccable organization.   Iran is essentially a country in turmoil, due to its geography, history, environmental challenges, and politics.   The enigma of contemporary Iran is the nation’s celebrated beauty, which is contrasted against the struggles that seem to be insurmountable: threats to the water supply, earthquakes, human rights (especially women’s rights), the political system, and the issue of nuclear weapons.  There is a natural flow to the way the information is presented, moving from the role of the bazaar as the cultural center to the geography, history, resources, culture, religion, arts and family life.  Iran  boasts several world-renowned cultural figures, such as mathematician Omar Khayyam, poet Rumi, who wrote poetry about Sufi Islamic beliefs in the 13th century, and Shirin Ebadi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.  Persian carpets are world famous as well!  

This book is objective, well-researched, and thorough, but a bit tedious in parts.  It ends with a timeline that compares Iran’s history to world history, a list of fast facts, a list of resources to consult, and a very detailed index. 

There is a typographical error on page 9 where it says “form” instead of “from” in the right-hand column.   The Enchantment of the World series includes books about Australia, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, and Israel.  This book includes up-to-date information about politics, as well as a look at past history.  Maps, charts, photographs, timelines, fast facts and Internet resources add to the appeal of this series. 

                                                      --Martha Squaresky