The Cambridge History of Iran is a multi-volume survey of Iranian history and culture, and its contribution to the civilization of the world. All aspects of the religious, philosophical, political, economic, scientific and artistic elements in Iranian civilization are studied, with some emphasis on the geographical and ecological factors that have contributed to that civilization's special character. The aim is to provide a collection of readable essays rather than a catalogue of information. The volumes offer scope for the publication of new ideas as well as providing summaries of established facts. It is hoped that the volumes will act as a stimulus to specialists, but they are primarily concerned with answering the sort of questions about the past and present of Iran that are asked by the non-specialist.