Safavid Iran rebirth of a Persian empire - Newman, Andrew J. (I.B. Tauris, 2009)
Includes bibliographical references (pages 248-264) and index
Introduction -- Laying the foundations : Ismail I (1488-1524) -- Reconfiguration and consolidation : the reign of Tahmasp (1524-1576) -- The second civil war : Ismail II (1576-1577) and Khudabanda (1578-1587) -- Monumental challenges and monumental responses : the reign of Abbas I (1587-1629) -- Shifts at the centre and a peace dividend : Shah Safi (1629-1642) -- The peace dividend consolidated : Shah Abbas II (1642-1666) -- Meeting the challenges : Shah Sulayman (1666/68-1694) -- Denouement or defeat : the reign of Shah Sultan Husayn (1694-1722) -- Epilogue. Poetry and politics : the multiplicity of Safavid discourse
In this revisionary history, Andrew Newman offers a complete re-evaluation of the dynasty's place in history. He shows the extraordinary development and achievement of the period and gives a valuable new interpretation of the eventual demise of the Safavids by the 18th century