Korea Old and New: A History - Softcover

Carter J. Eckert; Ki-Baik Lee; Young Ick Lew; Michael Robinson; Edward W. Wagner

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0962771309 ISBN 13: 9780962771309

Publisher: Ilchokak Publishers, 1991

Synopsis

This full-scale presentation of the general history of Korea not only provides a detailed treatment of the post-1945 period, but describes at length the traditional historical–cultural milieu from which modern Korea has developed.

This 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 remarkable economic successes. Korea Old and New presents 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 succeed in elucidating the past while providing new understanding of the vast changes that have taken place in this ancient nation.

About this title

About the Author:

Carter J. Eckert is Yoon Se Young Professor of Korean History at Harvard University.

Ki-baik Lee is Professor of History, Sogang University, Seoul.

Michael Robinson is Associate Professor of Korean History at Indiana University.

Edward W. Wagner is Professor of Korean Studies, Harvard University.

Review:

“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

“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

“By and large the best historical discussion in English of Korea’s modern transformation.”―Soon Won Park, Korean Studies

About this edition

• Publisher: Ilchokak Publishers
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0962771309
• ISBN 13: 9780962771309
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 464