Ethos

This translation of Kasravi’s A‘in (Ethos) is an outstanding contribution to nativist works and critiques of Orientalism from Iran. There are only a few English translations of Kasravi’s compositions, and this is an accurate and valuable addition to the literature on this provocative pre-WWII observer of the ills of Europe. The translation by Rezae Yazdi is precise and readable, and the work is contextualised superbly by an introduction and afterward by Tavakoli-Targhi and Jaskowski respectively * Dr. Lloyd Ridgeon, University of Glasgow, UK * Hamid Rezaei Yazdi’s excellent translation of Ahmad Kasravi’s text is a major addition to growing non-western intellectual contribution to post-colonial literature. Kasravi’s critique of Eurocentrism modernity marks Iran’s vibrant intellectual atmosphere during the inter-war period. This book represents a more ‘cosmopolitan’ view of Iran’s encounter with the modern west and Mohamad Tavakol Taraghi’s introduction provides a thoughtful historical context in understanding Kasravi’s vision for his country. * Professor Ali Mirsepassi, New York University, USA * At the turn of the twentieth century, a surge of brilliant intellectual personalities with many-sided interests and activities emerged in Iran. The profound discussions on modernity and tradition, nationalism and Islam, East and West, during this period heavily influence present-day Iran. One of the most fascinating individuals of this period was Ahmad Kasravi (1890-1946) – a historian, linguist, lawyer and journalist. He is widely known for his hostility towards Shi’i Islam and Sufism and his controversial book-burning rituals. The present translation of his fundamental, yet little-known treatise A’in (Ethos), together with its excellent foreword by Tavakoli-Targhi and afterword by Jaskowski, gives insight into Kasravi’s intellectual legacy that usually passes unnoticed. This book demonstrates his highly critical attitude towards Western civilization and its disastrous influence on the East, and his belief in religion as a shield against the temptations of dehumanizing Western materialism. Interestingly, Kasravi calls for a charismatic leader who would bring the disoriented East back to its right path. The lecture of A’in makes one understand the winding and tangled ways the modern Persian mind travels: the ideological forerunners of the Islamic Revolution, Al-e Ahmad and Shari’ati, Kasravi’s critics, unexpectedly turn out to be continuators and creative developers of his ideas. The book is therefore required reading for anyone interested in the intellectual history of modern Iran. * Anna Krasnowolska, Professor, Jagiellonian University, Poland. *