Synopses & Reviews
In his "immensely illuminating and accessible history" (Kirkus Reviews), Bruce Cumings delivers a memorable narrative of Korea's fractured modern history. Beginning with an overview of the cultural and political traditions of this accomplished civilization, Cumings dwells on Korea's long twentieth century, a period of colonial exploitation by Japan, war, and national division. His chapters on the Korean War show clearly just how close the world came to a nuclear holocaust. He then explores the economic resurgence and political turmoil that keep Korea in the headlines. Finally, he traces the significance of the Korean migration to the United States.
"A leading American authority on modern Korea... catches the excitement of a country that has been at the peaks and troughs of East Asian history in the twentieth century". -- Economist
-- "An elegantly informative account of Korea's convulsive transformation ... into a nation". -- Kirkus Monthly
Synopsis
Cumings details a memorable narrative of Korea's fractured modern history, focusing specifically on the country's long 20th century--a period of colonial exploitation by Japan, war, and national division. Photos.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 497-502) and index.