Korea Old and New: A History
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 HallidayLondon Review of Books)By and large the best historical discussion in English of Korea's modern transformation. (Soon Won ParkKorean Studies)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 Newmoves 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. KangJournal of Contemporary Asia)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 CottonAsian Studies Review)