An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List
638. Revolution in Iran: The Hostage Crisis (Part 3)
January 26, 2026
Description
Why and how was the American Embassy stormed in 1979, at the height of the Iranian Revolution? Did America respond when large numbers of American civil servants were taken hostage? And, would a...
Books Referenced
Guests of the Ayatollah
Author: Mark Bowden
Context:
Dominic recommended this book about the Tehran hostage crisis, calling it 'brilliant' and describing it as 'all about the siege and the hostage experience which I heartily recommend to the listeners.'
Mission to Iran
Author: William Sullivan
Context:
The hosts referenced this memoir by Ambassador William Sullivan when discussing his handling of earlier attacks on the US embassy and his meetings with Iranian revolutionaries.