Since the 1979 revolution ended 2,500 years of monarchy, Iran's Islamic revolution has witnessed unprecedented political and social changes that are transforming one of the world's oldest civilizations -- with an impact far beyond its borders. Robin Wright, renowned journalist and Mideast expert, takes us inside Iranian society to illustrate the new women's rights movement, the birth of an internationally acclaimed film industry, the evolution of ideas on marriage and sex, the rise of a new generation of young people, and the radical reforms within the religion itself that blend Islamic tenets with democratic ideals. Comprehensive and meticulously observed, Wright's account of the last two decades of Iranian history provides insight into the lives of the people, influential figures, and political leaders in present-day Iran and raises fascinating questions about the evolving legacy of "the last great revolution."