Customer Reviews

Korea: An Illustrated History (Illustrated Histories)

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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.