Description
Book SynopsisAli Shariati is, for many, the ideological father of the Iranian revolution. A charismatic leader and teacher, his radical blend of Islam and Marxism mobilized a whole generation of young Iranians. Now available in paperback, this full-length political biography looks at Ali Shariati's life and thought in the context of the complex and contradictory cultural, social and political conditions of the Iranian society that shaped him.
Trade ReviewThis is an outstanding book for its erudition, balance and perception, and a worthy study of an outstanding intellectual figure. Professor Vanessa Martin, Bulletin of SOAS - Rahnema's excellent study deserves the attention of every student of modern Iran. Professor Ali. M. Ansari, The University of St Andrews 'Ali Rahnema's excellent political biography of the radical Iranian intellectual Ali .Shari 'ati...follows the development of his thought skillfully - Rahnema is to be thanked for providing such a readable account of this complex and important man.' Charles Tripp, Times Literary Supplement Ali Rahnema balances sympathy for his subject with scholarly objectivity. He writes with a fluency and charm rare in academic books, sweeping the reader along with his enthusiasm and energy.' Shusha Guppy, Times Higher Educational Supplement
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments The Political and Religious setting The Tudeh Party The Kasravi Tendency 2.Mohammad Taqi Shari’ati: Father and Teacher The Centre for the Propagation of Islamic Truths The Centre and the Oil Nationalization Movement The Influence of the Centre 3.The Movement of God-Worshipping Socialists The Split The Homespun Ideology 4.From Child to Adult Ali’s Primary School Secondary School The Adult Child Contradictory Moods Ali and his Books 5.The Young Intellectual and Political Activitst The League for the Freedom of Iranian People The Political Agitator Translations The Median Schools of Islam Khorasan 6.The University Years Political Discontent New Sparks, Friends, Teachers A Patron of Modern Poetry Imprisonment, Marriage and Graduation 7.Paris Observation, Introspection and Adjustment Political Revival and Radicalization (1960-1964) Discrete Presence Penmanship The Congress of the World Federation of Iranian Students 8.Looking to the Future The Pen Socio-political activities The death of Ali’s mother Beyond the National Front Iran-e-Azad The Lausanne Congress 9.Schooling in Paris A Classical Education The Genuine Foundation of Knowledge Massignon Gurvitch Berque Fanon Sartre Theoretical Bridge-building The Islamic Alternative 10.Homeward Bound Salman-e-Pak A Guide to Khorasan Applying to Mashhad University 11.Mystical Murmers Shari’ati’s retreat The Need for God Shari’ati’s Gnosticism Mystical Experiences Annihilation and Assimilation of God Gnosticism and Politics 12.Fictive Mind Shari’ati, Sham, Chandel Chandel and Chapelle Shari’ati and Solange Solange’s death and resurrection Three epids of the fictive mind 13.At Mashhad University The Jacobins The Medium A Patron of Cultural Activities The Relief Worker A Diversion : Shari’ati and Jalal-e Al-e Ahmad 14.Shari’ati’s Audience and Discourse at the University of Masshad Eslamshenasi The intellectual left and Shari’ati The revolutionary left and Shari’ati The religious establishment reacts 15.A Cat and Mouse Game Interrogations The ban on public lectures A mind under pressure 16.Hosseiniyeh Ershad The First Phase The Second Phase The Hejazi Affair Shari’ati’s first taste of Ershad The return to Ershad 17.Ershad A Disturbing Iconoclast The Backlash The struggle for Ershad An unexpected reinstatement 18.Restoration The Nascent Iranian Guerrilla Movement Shari’ati’s Ershad The clerical opposition to Shari’ati Mosaddeqist Criticism The challenges of the revolutionaries 19.The Word Educational lectures: The History and Mastery of Religions A Radical Islamic Ideology 20.Insurrectionary Discourse Religious subversion Political subversion The complete Shi’i party 21.Cultivating Martyrs Ershad: the revolutionary beehive The closer of Ershad 22.Imprisonment The Komiteh Prison A New Day Freedom and Confusion Revisionism: by choice or freedom? 23.The Curtain Falls Rationalization or radicalization? Hejira and Death Epiloguse Notes Select Bibliograhy Index
