Iran : Front Row Balcony is an account of Americans living in Iran just before the Shah's power began to crumble. A product of extensive research and two years' residence in Tehran, it answers questions westerners have concerning Iranians, their culture, and relationships between Iranians and Americans. Authentic, unbiased, the book colorfully portrays the day-to-day experiences of an American couple in the bustling capital, their friendships, and their travel adventures through the fascinating land of Darius, Cyrus the Great, and Omar Khayyam. The incidents narrated reveal the vivid contrast between Muslim and American cultures. With her personal experiences the author interweaves a comprehensive overview of Persian history and religion. She offers insights into the Shah's goals, his shortcomings and opposition, and the subsequent turmoil created by the Khomeini regime. - Jacket flap.