Description
Book SynopsisA comprehensive history of Iran in the early fifteenth century, under the Timurids, a Turkic dynasty of nomadic origin. Beatrice Forbes Manz gives a vivid portrait of society in court, city and countryside, and challenges much received wisdom concerning the relationship between government and society in the medieval Middle East.
Trade ReviewReview of the hardback: 'She provides a rich portrait of Iranian society over an exceptionally broad spectrum … this book provides the first broad analysis of political dynamics in late medical Iran and challenges much received wisdom about civil and military power, the relationship of government to society, and the interaction of religious figures with the ruling class.' Middle East
'One can only congratulate B. Manz for this admirable and scrupulous research, which closely examines varied categories of source in order to follow the strategies implemented by the power, by social groups, and by individuals. This monograph, no doubt, will mark a milestone in the development of Timurid studies.' Central Eurasian Reader
'Manz focuses … on prominent individuals, on their careers and their networks of connections, to bring fresh light on the workings of medieval society and its interactions with the government.'. The Journal of Speculum
Table of ContentsList of maps; Preface; Chronology; Family tree of major Timurid princes; Introduction; 1. The formation of the Timurid State under Shahrukh; 2. Issues of sources and historiography; 3. Shahrukh's Dīwān and its personnel; 4. Political and military resources of Iran; 5. Timurid rule in southern and central Iran; 6. Political dynamics in the realm of the supernatural; 7. The dynasty and the politics of the religious classes; 8. The rebellion of Sultan Muhammad b. Baysunghur and the struggle over succession; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.
