Land of Morning Calm: Korean Culture Then and Now [Hardcover]

John Stickler (Author), Soma Han (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2003

What was life like in Ancient Korea? What did people eat? What did they believe in? How is it different now?

Take a journey to both ancient and modern Korea, where you will find a rich world of history and traditions that will capture your imagination and whet your appetite for learning more about this fascinating culture.

Read about the legend behind the founding of Korea, the meaning of the flag, and the creation of the Korean alphabet. Learn how to make kimchi, how to celebrate Korean holidays, and how people ironed their clothes before electricity. Every page explains an aspect of Korean culture and its changes through the years.

As North and South Korea quickly become important players in global politics, Land of Morning Calm gives us a better understanding of the people behind the news and the traditions we don’t get to see on television. It opens a window into another way of life, reminding us once again that we are all as similar as we are different.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-Traditional and modern culture is explored in this attractively illustrated picture book for older readers. Beginning with a brief introduction to the history and politics of the country, Stickler then devotes one or two pages to various traditions and beliefs. The subjects are wide ranging, from food and fashion to taekwondo. The layout is balanced and visually pleasing. Chapter headings are written in Hangul, the Korean alphabet, and in English, both in a large elegant script. Each topic is accompanied by colorful, finely rendered watercolor illustrations or a small photograph or two. The writing style is quite sophisticated, with many instances where vocabulary or nuances of meaning may be lost on all but the most proficient readers. Despite this drawback, the book makes an excellent supplement to more general works.
Sue Morgan, Tom Kitayama Elementary School, Union City, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. After a brief introduction to Korea's geography and history, this handsome book spotlights one aspect of the country's culture after another. Presented on single pages and double-page spreads and illustrated with many colorful paintings and a few small photos, the 19 topics include the Korean alphabet, flag, religions, food, celebrations, martial arts, ceramics, and music. Each section of the book adds to an overview that seems almost haphazard at first but gradually becomes clearer and more satisfying to the reader. Longer volumes may offer more complete information on the country, but this book's approachable design, vivid illustrations, and interesting text make it an excellent introduction. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Shens Books (September 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885008228
• ISBN-13: 978-1885008220
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #666,097 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In 1961 John Stickler became the first person from Arizona to be selected by the U. S. Peace Corps. That summer, along with 150 other volunteers inspired by President Kennedy, he completed an intensive course in Philippine Studies at Penn State University, but the Selective Service System felt that as a conscientious objector he was unfit for Peace Corps service. The Tucson draft board denied permission for him to leave the country and later drafted him out of graduate school. A year later found him at UN Command Headquarters in South Korea, assigned to a Military Advisory Group.
Taking his discharge in Seoul he established one of the first advertising agencies in that country and spent nine years filing news reports for the CBS radio network. (In this 1974 photo he is interviewing former president Yun Po Sun, put under house arrest by President Park Chung Hee for criticizing his harsh regime.)
After 13 years in Seoul, Stickler and his wife, fine artist Soma Han, and their two boys returned to the States, settling in California. Purchasing a national business magazine, he began a career of publishing, editing, freelance writing and corporate public relations. During the 1990s he began writing books for Fodor's, Berlitz, and the Asian Sources Media Group in Hong Kong. For several years he was editor and publisher of The Mature Traveler, a national newsletter. In 2003 John and Soma joined forces with Shen's Books to publish Land of Morning Calm: Korean Culture Then and Now. The title was subsequently selected by Skipping Stones Magazine for one of its annual Honor Awards.
Currently he is completing a book of word puzzles for middle and high school students.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insights into Korea, February 1, 2004

By 

Daniel D. Holt (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Land of Morning Calm: Korean Culture Then and Now (Hardcover)

If you are looking for an introduction to the roots of Korean culture, this is the book for you. The author and illustrator have teamed up to deliver succinct accounts of Korea that can be enjoyed by people with different needs. I immediately think of Korean parents who are looking for interesting ways to help their children learn about their heritage. Travelers to Korea will find helpful the quick, penetrating insights into the essence of Korean culture. Students may use the book to find topics for more detailed research.

The book presents readable descriptions of key aspects of Korean cultureâ€"thousands-year-old mythology, language, holidays, religion, food, arts, sportsâ€"19 in all. The accounts contain detailed examples, beautifully enhanced by the steady, experienced hand of the illustrator. The use of the beautiful Korean alphabet for selected words adds artistry to the pages. The author moves from fascinating accounts of the traditions to glimpses at the way Koreans are living their culture today. I intend to recommend the book to those already knowledgeable of Korea as well as those who just want a first look at this fascinating country.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cool Korean Culture, April 25, 2004

By 

Karen Woodworth Roman "Happy Librarian" (DeKalb, IL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Land of Morning Calm: Korean Culture Then and Now (Hardcover)

Colorful and more up-to-date looking than similar books. Brief introduction to major aspects of Korean culture. Covers such topics as clothing, language, religion, dance, music, and food. The book also includes a map of Korea and wonderful illustrations. Each page has the Korean word for the topic discussed written in hangul.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lively, educational and highly recommended presentation, September 12, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Land of Morning Calm: Korean Culture Then and Now (Hardcover)

There are very few picturebooks on Korean culture for kids, which alone makes Land Of Morning Calm stand out for ages 7-12; but its other fine features include an organization by 19 topics ranging from holidays and arts to religions and home life, and beautiful visual displays of each by Soma Han. Land Of Morning Calm is a lively, educational and highly recommended presentation.