Conflict: The History Of The Korean War, 1950-1953 [Paperback]

Robert Leckie (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 22, 1996

In June 1950 Communist forces poured across the 38th Parallel (the arbitrary, militarily indefensible line of latitude separating the Communist North from the independent Republic of Korea) to unite the country by force. Three bloody, bitter years of fighting ensued during which the seesawing fortunes of this frustrating war thwarted North Korea's ambitions while treating the ill-equipped, overconfident UN peacekeeping forces, mostly Americans, no less harshly. Conflict examines the war in all its military, political, and human dimensions: the battles at Pusan Perimeter, at Inchon, at Chosin Reservoir, at Heartbreak Ridge; significant figures like Syngman Rhee, Kim Il Sung, Ridgway, MacArthur, and Truman; controversies like MacArthur's dismissal, the difficulties of P.O.W. exchanges, and charges of brainwashing and germ warfare; as well as penetrating analyses of the performance of the American soldier, and the war's effect on the U.S. military and our national psyche. As such, Conflict stands as an unsurpassed, vivid contribution to history.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert Leckie's many books include Conflict: The History of the Korean War, 1950–1953,Okinawa, George Washington’s War, From Sea to Shining Sea, None Died in Vain and Delivered from Evil. He lives in Andover, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; 1st edition (August 22, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306807165
• ISBN-13: 978-0306807169
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #356,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #78 in Books > History > Military > Korean War

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding overview of the war, May 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Conflict: The History Of The Korean War, 1950-1953 (Paperback)

As with all of Robert Leckie's books this one is meant as a medium weight overview. Not so detailed that only a history professor could love it, but neither so light that you walk away feeling that you don't have a deep understanding of the context of the war. The narrative is great, keeping your interest even during the "lulls" in the action.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Leckie, October 10, 2005

By 

Sean Welby (Harrisburg, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Conflict: The History Of The Korean War, 1950-1953 (Paperback)

"Conflict" is classic Leckie. Written more as a newspaper account, it is more readable than a stadard treatise on the war. Leckie's inability to suffer incompetence and admiration for the common infantryman is evident in his writing, without the arrogance that Marshall often conveys. This work shows why Leckie was, and remains, one of the best war story tellers in hirtory.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, fast paced overview, January 29, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Conflict: The History Of The Korean War, 1950-1953 (Paperback)

A great book to use for high school reading. In this day and age, it is probably good for the college student. A quick overview of what has turned out to be a SUCCESS project in South Korea. That nation would not be here otherwise1 This by one who was there in 50 - 51 and then later in '68-69.