| Korea Old and New: A History (Korea Institute) | 
 enlarge | Authors: Carter Eckert, Ki-baik Lee, Young Lew, Michael Robinson, Edward W. Wagner
Publisher: Harvard Korea Institute
Category: Book
List Price: $28.50
Buy New: $22.95
You Save: $5.55 (19%)
New (20) Used (9) from $20.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 63236
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 464
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.2 x 1
ISBN: 0962771309
Dewey Decimal Number: 951.9
EAN: 9780962771309
ASIN: 0962771309
Publication Date: August 14, 1991
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Product Description
This presentation of the general history of Korea not only provides a detailed treatment of the post-1945 period, but describes the traditional historical-cultural milieu from which modern Korea has developed. The 20th 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 economic successes. "Korea Old and New" aims to present 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 elucidate the past while providing new understanding of the vast changes that have taken place in this ancient nation.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 Excellent framework for Korean history February 10, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I taught Korean history to adults and children at a Korean language school for a few years, and while I found other "chattier" references helpful (Bruce Cummings book springs to mind), this was the book I turned to again and again. It was not only a thorough reference, it also gave me the context to fit information from other sources into.
As both a Korean-American and someone with a degree in History, I of course already appreciated Korea's separate national identity and the internal conflicts from past and present that continue to haunt modern Koreans. However, one subject (out of many) that I found difficult to fully comprehend was the ornate class and economic structure that developed in Modern Korean beginning in Old Choson and then flowered into a byzantine nightmare by the end of the New Choson era. This book provided a very thorough explanation of that development throughout the dynasties and I would say on average that economic history is probably this book's strongest point.
Another aspect of Korean history that the authors covered very well was the disintegration of Korea from a national entity that even the Chinese had to respect to a pawn of both European and larger Asian powers at the end of the 19th century. On balance, the authors are fair, giving due responsibility to both international predators and national parasites. However, this is not to say that this period was a complete tragedy- the book also documents the actions of Korean nationalists and patriots who more often than not gave their lives for the sake of Korean independence. The tragedy that stands out is more of a lack of organization than a lack of passion.
I have to disagree with a previous reviewer who felt that the authors focused too heavily on the twentieth century. On the contrary, part of the reason I have returned to this book again and again is because it gives such a thorough explanation of the Choson and pre-Choson era. Refreshing, especially because the majority of Korean history books on the market are unable to move off of the Korean war or the division of Korean. Important topics, of course, but difficult to fully appreciate without a thorough grounding in Korea's more ancient past.
There are other good Korean history books to read, but the serious student needs to start here.
Korean History Overview May 12, 2007
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Overview of Korea from paleolithic period to modern. Handy reference when watching Korean historical drama on the television. However one must decipher the names in the subtitles to that which is in the text. The sub-titleist must use a different system to translate the sounds of the Korean language. Keep it near my easy charir to make my TV viewing educational.
 I hated it March 26, 2005
2 out of 34 found this review helpful
We used it for my university class. It was dull, dry and painfully boring.
It gives a dry account of Korea. You're better off going there and learning it in person. That's what I did.
As for the book, it ended up on the shelves of a second-hand store.
Great Introduction to Korean History February 5, 2004
16 out of 18 found this review helpful
It is always difficult to find a good introductory text in English for any of the Asian countries outside of China and Japan, due mainly to the fact that facility with the required asian language does not necessarily translate into a facility with English. The pressure to publish necessarily prevents one from committing the requisite time to writing something with the epic scope of Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.This book offers a good overview of the stretch of Korean history with a strong narrative balanced by detailed descriptions of local life and culture during the different periods. There is a lively discussion of consequences and the organization of the book leads us to be able to draw pertinent parallels to what has happened in latter periods of history. After reading this - what did I gain?
1) I was able to gain a sense of the tradition of Korean history - and further understand the resonances of words such as Silla, Paekchae, Chosun - (in the same way I finally understood how Germany, Allemand and Deutschland could all refer to the same country - these being different tribes who lived in the area) 2)A sense that whatever hardships Koreans have suffered in this century they have seen before - whether it is in the form of Chinese incursions, or the mad rampage of the warlord Hideyoshi in the 16th century. Korea has been divided before. 3) A better sense of Korea as unique cultural entity - with its own centers of excellence, such as celadon, hangul, etc. My only reservation with the book is that it dwells too much on latter day history from Japanese colonial occupation until the 1980s. Obviouly the sources are better but it left me feeling that pacing changed from that of grand narrative into detailed analysis (This may have been because this book is a combination of two books) But all in all it gave me a better sense of where everything fits than Bruce Cumings' book "Korea's Place in the Sun" - which should be read in conjuction with this book.
Solid Survey April 27, 2003
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
Eckert has provided a solid survey history of the peninsula that stands as a reliable introduction to the politics and culture of Korea in a single volume. As with most surveys, fascinating intrigues and cultural depth are sacrificed in order to provide an overview of the essentials. It is an excellent introductory text, written in a lucid style noteworthy for its clarity of expression. David R. Bannon, Ph.D., author "Race Against Evil."
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