Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2015 - Social & Behavioral Sciences — Middle Eastern Studies

Beck's account of Qashqa'i nomads in postrevolutionary Iran is a unique achievement and an outstanding complement to her many other publications on this populationfor example,Nomad (CH, Jan'93, 30-2751).  In the present volume, Beck (anthropology, Washington Univ., St. Louis) focuses on cultural and political events involving the Qermezi subtribe since 1979, making valuable connections with her previous historical and ethnographic studies.  No other anthropologist can offer more rich social and political information and longitudinal analysis concerning nomadic populations in Iran during the last four decades.  In addition, few Euro-American researchers of any discipline have been able to continue to conduct field research in Iran in the years since 1979 revolution.  Beck's long-term research and integrated cultural understanding make it possible for her to discuss both continuities and changes in Qashqa'i practices, and she provides otherwise unavailable details about Qashqa'i reactions and resistance to the officials and policies of the Iranian central government and its ideological orientation.  She presents her research primarily in the form of narrative descriptions, with minimal jargon but also limited ethnological comparison or anthropological theory.  Beck's knowledge of Iran is unparalleled in many ways, and this is an indispensable volume for those interested in Iran and nomadism.Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.