The Iranian Metaphysicals – Explorations in Science, Islam, and the Uncanny

"Beautifully written and argued, this powerful book turns our full attention to the rationality of enchantment in the modern world. Deftly weaving gripping stories with history, theology, and political considerations, Doostdar presents an important analysis of the landscape of Iranian metaphysical inquiry and a new, fresh perspective on the conditions and qualities of reason and rationalization in the world and in anthropological inquiry."--Courtney Bender, Columbia University

"Examining contemporary Iranians' wide-ranging experiments with the supernatural, including political-cultural and historical contexts, Doostdar demonstrates the profound 'edginess' of these practitioners: their doubts and concerns with respectability. This is a captivating read and an unprecedented book, certain to appeal to anthropologists and to Middle East specialists alike."--Cyrus Schayegh, Princeton University

"This original book considers Iranians' experiments with the supernatural world through investigations into their encounters with the occult, mysticism, healing, exorcism, magnetism, and Spiritism, among other practices. In engaging with the complex spiritual worlds of Iranians, The Iranian Metaphysicals reveals new meanings and uses of science in the pursuit of knowledge and the divine."--Arzoo Osanloo, University of Washington