Introduction to Korean History and Culture [Hardcover]

Andrew C. Nahm (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0930878086 | ISBN-13: 978-0930878085 | Publication Date: April 1, 1993

"Simple, brief, yet comprehensive and interpretive" history of Korea for the general reader.

The purpose of this book is to present the history and culture of Korea to meet the needs of the general reader. While providing essential historical and cultural background of the Korean people, emphasis is given to the process of transformation of the ancient Korean society into an aristocratic/feudalistic state first, and then into a modern nation.

Unlike other Korean history books, this includes various aspects of radical changes that took place under the Communist rule after 1945 in the northern half of Korea. As for the southern half, the aspects of struggle for democracy, economic and cultural development, and social modernization have been given particular attention.

16 maps and 87 photos.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Hollym International Corporation (April 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930878086
• ISBN-13: 978-0930878085
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #306,784 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Warning: Useful for Beginners, but Not for Advanced Students, June 21, 2001

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Korean History and Culture (Hardcover)

INTRODUCTION TO KOREAN HISTORY AND CULTURE has now passed through at least three editions, so it is probably the passing standard for histories of Korea. It is useful and generally correct, however, it is no longer cutting edge.

Recent archaeological discoveries and the continuing maturation of South Korean political culture have increased debate about many topics in the history of the Korean peninsula. But, still, Professor Nahm's role in this movement has to be acknowledged. His works are probably the first popular tomes most non-Koreans have consulted about Korean history.

The most serious deficiency about this book, and nearly all mass market books about Korea, is the perspective, that Korea is a political entity existing since prehistory. Many nations have existed on the Korean peninsula and in Manchuria, and the idea of a Korean national history is problematic and controversial. This book adds nothing, because it antedates it, to this contemporary debate. It is highly questionable, if Choson peasants or Koryo aristocrats had a national consciousness. Identifying Koryo or Choson as Korean is a subtle form of propaganda, not good historical writing.

This book is also riddled with awkward phrasings and typographical errors. As with most books on Korea, the transliteration scheme is always problematic, and the use of different schemes, is confusing. Because, for instance one person (e.g. Lee Syng Man) is known best in the West as Syngman Rhee, his name is so transliterated, but other persons and places are transliterated differently. This confusion is always irritating.

The final sections on modern South and North Korea are sparse and uncritical, and do not reflect the depth of debate in South Korean society. if Professor Nahm has any perspective, it is pro-development, but by which political regime? By echewing partisan labels, this book sacrifices substance and depth. This book is no more critical than the bad history taught in the schools.

As a quick reference quide, this book is still useful, but with a great deal of caution. There are other more relevant and insightful introductions. But this book has a deserved place in the evolution of Korean scholarship, and in Korean history.

5.0 out of 5 stars Introduction to Korean History and Culture., January 6, 2012

By 

Hogan_62 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introduction to Korean History and Culture (Hardcover)

I HAVE KNOWN AND MARRIED A KOREAN-AMERICAN FOR 37 YEARS. IT MAKES ME PROUD TO KNOW OF MY WIFE'S CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ROOTS. IT SEALS THAT BOND WHEN TWO PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT RACES ARE TRULY IN LOVE.