Sourcebook of Korean Civilization, Vol. 1
Despite their position between China and Japan, Koreans have developed a unique culture with a strong sense of national identity. While works in English on Korean art and history have been available for many years, Korean primary source materials in English have not. Lee (Korean and comparative literature, UCLA) and his colleagues have compiled the most extensive English-language anthology of Korean primary sources to date. The work has been produced in two volumes: Volume 1 (1993) covers the period up to the 16th century; Volume 2 covers materials from the 17th century to the modern period. The writings selected for translation include Buddhist scriptures, works of philosophy, contemporary histories, popular literature, critiques of European science and religion, works on music, and various proposals for reform. The introduction to Volume 2 gives an excellent overview of the history of the two eras covered?the late Choson and the modern period beginning after 1860 and ending in 1945. Recommended for academic libraries and larger public libraries with a readership interest in Korean studies.?Robert James Andrews, Duluth P.L., Minn.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.