The history of a short-lived splinter sect of Twelver Shi'ite Islam may seem esoteric and of interest only to specialists. However, MacEoin (Arabic and Islamic studies, Newcastle University) has written a compelling study of a movement that has repeated itself within Islamic society for over a thousand years. Babism was a charismatic, millennial sect that began in Iran in the early nineteenth century. After a failed attempt at political insurrection, it became a quietist group, focusing on internal spirituality, drawing on aspects of Sufism. By the end of the century the followers of Bab had died or drifted away. In a unique occurrence, the teachings of Bab and his followers became the basis of the Baha'i religion, which has no connection to Islam and is primarily practiced in Western countries. The original research for this book was done in the late 1970s as MacEoin's doctoral dissertation. He has edited it "lightly", apologizing for youthful pomposity of language. This is not necessary. The writing throughout is excellent. Following the body of the text are several essays written over the next twenty years. The bibliography has also been updated. The story of Babism, told against the backdrop of the pressures being put on the Islamic world by Western economic expansion, is fascinating. The introductory essay, delineating the difference between a history of religion and religious history, is brilliant. Students of present-day Iran will gain a greater understanding of the internal politics of Islam there. Pundits of international relations would do well to put this at the top of their reading list. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)