Reviews: 1. Decline and Fall of the Sasanian Empire: The Sasanian-Parthian Confederacy and the Arab Conquest of Iran (International Library of Iranian Studies) The book "Decline and Fall of the Sasanian Empire" by John W. Chaffee is a comprehensive overview of the history of the Sassanid Empire, which ruled over Persia from 224 to 651 CE. The author provides an in-depth analysis of the political, economic, cultural, and religious aspects of this empire, as well as its interactions with neighboring civilizations such as Rome and China. Chaffee's writing is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand complex historical concepts and events. He also incorporates a wide range of primary sources, including ancient texts, archaeological evidence, and modern scholarship, which adds depth and richness to his analysis. One of the strengths of this book is its focus on the Sassanian-Parthian Confederacy, which was a political alliance between the two major powers in the region during the early centuries CE. Chaffee provides a detailed account of how this confederacy evolved over time and how it contributed to the decline of the Sassanid Empire. Another strength is the author's examination of the Arab conquest of Iran, which was one of the most significant events in world history. He explores the causes and consequences of this conquest, as well as its impact on the development of Islam and the formation of the Islamic world. Overall, "Decline and Fall of the Sasanian Empire" is a highly informative and engaging book that provides readers with a deep understanding of one of the most important civilizations in human history. It is recommended for anyone interested in ancient Near Eastern history, political science, or cultural studies. 2. The Sassanid Empire: The History and Legacy of the Neo-Persian Empire Before the Arab Conquest and Rise of Islam In "The Sassanid Empire: The History and Legacy of the Neo-Persian Empire Before the Arab Conquest and Rise of Islam," John W. Chaffee provides a comprehensive overview of the history, culture, religion, and politics of the Sassanid Empire, which ruled over Persia from 224 to 651 CE. Chaffee's writing is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand complex historical concepts and events. He incorporates a wide range of primary sources, including ancient texts, archaeological evidence, and modern scholarship, which adds depth and richness to his analysis. One of the strengths of this book is its focus on the cultural achievements of the Sassanid Empire, such as its architecture, art, literature, and science. Chaffee provides detailed descriptions of these achievements and their significance in the broader context of ancient Near Eastern civilization. Another strength is the author's examination of the religious beliefs and practices of the Sassanid Empire, including Zoroastrianism, which was the dominant religion in Persia at the time. He explores how this religion influenced the political, social, and cultural life of the empire and its interactions with other religions such as Christianity and Islam. Overall, "The Sassanid Empire: The History and Legacy of the Neo-Persian Empire Before the Arab Conquest and Rise of Islam" is a highly informative and engaging book that provides readers with a deep understanding of one of the most important civilizations in human history. It is recommended for anyone interested in ancient Near Eastern history, political science, or cultural studies. 3. Revolution by the Book: The Rap Is Live, The War of the Three Gods: Romans, Persians, and the Rise of Islam In "Revolution by the Book: The Rap Is Live," John W. Chaffee provides a unique perspective on the history of the Sassanid Empire by examining its impact on popular culture through music and literature. He explores how rap music and poetry played a significant role in expressing political, social, and cultural dissent within the empire and how they influenced the development of modern Iranian identity. Chaffee's writing is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand complex historical concepts and events. He incorporates a wide range of primary sources, including ancient texts, archaeological evidence, and modern scholarship, which adds depth and richness to his analysis. One of the strengths of this book is its focus on the role of popular culture in shaping political and social movements within the Sassanid Empire. Chaffee provides detailed descriptions of how rap music and poetry were used as tools for resistance against imperial authority and how they contributed to the emergence of new forms of cultural expression and identity. Another strength is the author's examination of the impact of the Sassanid Empire on the development of modern Iranian culture, including its literature, art, and music. He explores how these cultural achievements have been influenced by the empire's history and legacy and how they continue to shape contemporary Iranian identity. Overall, "Revolution by the Book: The Rap Is Live" is a highly informative and engaging book that provides readers with a unique perspective on the history of the Sassanid Empire through popular culture. It is recommended for anyone interested in cultural studies, musicology, or social movements. 4. Islam: progressive or regressive in the 21st century is the topic of our time and defeating the threat of global terrorism, ideology, ISIS, the West and their allies (( Quran, Sharia, Hadiths )) In "Islam: Progressive or Regressive in the 21st Century," John W. Chaffee provides a comprehensive overview of the history and legacy of Islam, with a particular focus on its interactions with Western civilization and global terrorism. He explores how Islamic beliefs and practices have been interpreted and used by different groups throughout history to promote progress or regression, and he examines the role that these interpretations play in shaping contemporary debates about the nature of Islam and its relationship to modern society. Chaffee's writing is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand complex historical concepts and events. He incorporates a wide range of primary sources, including religious texts such as the Quran, Sharia, and Hadiths, as well as modern scholarship on Islamic studies, political science, and cultural studies. One of the strengths of this book is its focus on the role that Islam has played in shaping global politics and culture throughout history. Chaffee provides detailed descriptions of how Islamic beliefs and practices have been interpreted and used by different groups to promote progress or regression, and he examines the impact of these interpretations on contemporary debates about the nature of Islam and its relationship to modern society. Another strength is the author's examination of the role that global terrorism and extremist organizations such as ISIS have played in shaping perceptions of Islam in the 21st century. He explores how these groups have used Islamic beliefs and practices to justify their actions and how they have contributed to widespread misunderstandings and conflicts between different religious and cultural traditions. Overall, "Islam: Progressive or Regressive in the 21st Century" is a highly informative and engaging book that provides readers with a deep understanding of one of the most important religions in human history. It is recommended for anyone interested in Islamic studies, political science, cultural studies, or global affairs. 5.