The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding North Korea [Paperback]

Dr. C. Kenneth Quinones (Author), Joseph Tragert (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide | Publication Date: February 3, 2004

In this accessible guide, readers will find unmatched expert analysis of the volatile situation in North Korea, along with answers to frequently asked questions. Covered topics include:

€ North Korea's geography, people, industry, political systems, and government
€ The history of the country, from myths to kingdoms, including Japan's colonial rule and its effects
€ The dictator, Kim Jong Il, and his father, Kim Il Sung
€ The possibility of reunification with South Korea
€ Options for international involvement

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. C. Kenneth Quinones was the first U.S. diplomat to visit North Korea, meeting North Korean leader Kim Il Sung. He served on the U.S. team that negotiated the Agreed Framework and assisted with its implementation.

Joseph Tragert is the co-founder of an international consulting firm. The author of The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Understanding Iraq, he is currently co-writing The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Understanding Iran.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Alpha (February 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592571697
• ISBN-13: 978-1592571697
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,392,320 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise and to the point, February 10, 2006

By 

Nancy C. Chancler - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding North Korea (Paperback)

This is a concise and well written modern chronicle of North Korea. There are very few resources available on this "mysterious" country. I found the book to be engrossing, concise and most informative.

4.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Idiot's Guide to North Korea, July 3, 2010

By 

Joe V (Kansas City, Missouri) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding North Korea (Paperback)

When I picked up this book out of the bargain bin at the bookstore, I was not expecting much more than mediocre nighttime reading. I was pleasantly surprised to find a well-written, nearly comprehensive book on an obscure and mysterious country.

Authors Dr. Kenneth Quinones and Joseph Tragert stick to the standard format for Idiot's Guide books. There are boxes labeled either Korean Concept, Fact, and Increase Your North Korea IQ interwoven throughout the text that give you interesting tidbits of knowledge. Also, there are interesting personal recollections boxes, where the authors share first-hand insights and experiences with the reader.

I gained new perspectives on the history, current political system, and foreign relations of North Korea, a complex and potentially dangerous threat to the U.S, China, and Japan. The book is informative, factual, and non-biased. I recommend this book to anyone who desires a wide, jargon-free explanation of North Korea's past, present, and future.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great, overall view of North Korea, November 17, 2008

By 

C. Pierce - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding North Korea (Paperback)

When my son chose to do a report on North Korea, we had to scramble for resources. Not a lot is known about the country. This book provided a broad general overview of just about all aspects of the country, society and people. It wasn't as in depth in some areas, but excellent overall.