This book discusses Iranian culture before and after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. It covers the religion and literature of the Iranian people, their attitudes toward technology, work, family, and authority, and their attitude towards Western culture. After discussing the various concepts of culture and communication, this book focuses on Steininger's research conducted among American scholars who lived and worked in Iran before the Revolution of 1979. The scholars interviewed by Steininger knew the Persian language and had gained a deep understanding and appreciation of the Iranian people and their culture. This book also covers the cultural aspects of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the misunderstandings between Iranians and Americans that helped to bring about the hostage crisis. The final chapter focuses on how American and Iranian people might arrive at mutual understanding and respect, and be able to approach one another along the lines of Steininger's interviewees.