Korea Old and New: A History - Softcover

In four hundred clear and well-written pages, five eminent Korean and American historians provide a judicious survey of Korea's history from Paleolithic times to the present, giving due emphasis to its cultural achievements, including its magnificent pottery, and, not least, the development of metal moveable type in the first half of the 15th century.--Jon Halliday "London Review of Books " By and large the best historical discussion in English of Korea's modern transformation.--Soon Won Park "Korean Studies " Each of these authors, recognized as specialists on their chosen periods, offers even-handed accounts of events which are often minefields of historical controversy...This volume may be confidently recommended as the best available text on the subject.--James Cotton "Asian Studies Review " Some of the recent scholarly work has tended to be rather ahistorical in approach, as if Korea--like Athena from the head of Zeus--somehow sprang full-grown onto the international scene in 1960. Korea Old and New...is an important antidote to [this] approach...Beginning with the Paleolithic Age, Korea Old and New moves with considerable grace through the early years of Korean culture, the Three Kingdoms era, Koryo and Yi dynasties, and on into the modern age...The strengths of this book are many, but in particular the comprehensive nature and the balanced analysis stand out as exceptional...Well-written and comprehensive, Korea Old and New...is required reading for anyone wishing to understand Korea.--David C. Kang "Journal of Contemporary Asia "

This presentation of the general history of Korea not only provides a detailed treatment of the post-1945 period, but describes the traditional historical-cultural milieu from which modern Korea has developed. The 20th century has witnessed a multiplicity of both domestic and external factors that have resulted either in tendentious history or in emphasis badly skewed toward such dramatic events as the Korean War or South Korea's economic successes. "Korea Old and New" aims to present a more balanced survey. Its coverage of traditional Korea emphasizes cultural developments not merely as isolated expressions of the creative spirit of the people but as integrally related to Korea's political, social and economic history. The book's preponderant concern is with the tumultuous modern era, and six academic specialists provide a wide-angle view of each distinct period. The authors elucidate the past while providing new understanding of the vast changes that have taken place in this ancient nation.