Although the quality and quantity of translated Korean literature in no way compares to those of Chinese and Japanese, more and more fine translations are being published in English. Divided into seven chapters, this volume moves from such diverse topics as literary style to folk songs. This volume will undoubtedly be valuable for undergraduate courses in Korean literature, culture, and East Asian literature. Topics usually left out in comprehensive one-volume works on Korean literature, such as literary criticism, are touched upon in this one. In view of what Fouser faced, then, he has done an admirable job as a translator.
Expository sections work fine in English.
The translation, however, reveals major and minor issues. What was once a potent and philosophic discussion on the issues of Koreanness and literature has been changed to an uncritical nationalistic position concerning the uniqueness of Korean literature. In addition, chapters 3 and 4 have been reversed from the original version. The end product is most unfortunate, especially in comparision with the original. Aside from these larger problems, chapter 7 has elisions that actually obfuscate the content.