Korea: An Illustrated History (Illustrated Histories) [Hardcover]

David Rees (Author)

Book Description

Series: Illustrated Histories | Publication Date: March 2001

A well-balanced, historical survey of Korea to the present. Early chapters succinctly depict a rich Korean heritage. In resisting absorption by their powerful neighbour, China, Koreans successfully established their own state and distinctive culture, language, and traditions. The latter chapters deal with events after 1945.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David Rees

Product Details

• Hardcover: 150 pages
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0781807859
• ISBN-13: 978-0781807852
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,018,141 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A What History?, April 12, 2006

By 

G. Park "g30rg3" (Venice, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Korea: An Illustrated History (Illustrated Histories) (Hardcover)

Do not be fooled by the title which uses the word 'illustrated' quite loosely. There are in fact pictures, but 1) way way too few to call the book 'an illustrated history,' 2) the size of the book itself is no larger than a paperback (take a look at the posted dimensions), small book = small illustrations, and 3) the pics are in black and white! What the feck?

In regards to the writing, it is written well enough in a clear style. As an uninitiated in ancient korean history, I do find it facinating. Be forewarned that the content is at about a 6th grade reading level with very little detail into korean history other than the major dynasty shifts. So it is quite lacking in comparison to other history books and wouldn't be recommended for anyone looking for more than a general gloss over. Yet this writing style would actually be quite appropriate if it was actually 'illustrated' with more pictures than words.

When I think 'illustrated history,' I think coffee table book, glossy color photos, more pictures used to tell a story than words. I figured it might be different from the average history book. If this is what you're looking for, don't get this book. I have no doubt the publishers provided the name change to sell the book. Or maybe they intended it to be better but ran out of money. Whatever the case, the illustrations are cheap and unworthy of naming the book as such.