Customer Reviews

North Korea under Communism: Report of an Envoy to Paradise

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This is undoubtedly the best account about North Korea I've ever read - the author was willing to put aside all assumptions and stereotypes about the regime, and approach it as a responsible intellectual: with an open mind and a critical attitude. As such, he's not afraid of acknowledging the successes of the regime beside criticising its obvious failures. A really well thought-out, intelligent book, although by now quite outdated (he's mostly writing about the 1970s - around the end he includes some chapter on the 80s, too, but I haven't yet reached that part). An extra advantage is that he does consider the general ideological-economic-political atmosphere of the rest of the world at the time, as well. An absolute must-read for everyone interested in North Korea - especially because it breaks so many of the established stereotypes (which will disappoint many who simply seek to confirm their own biases), and is still in no way advocating the North Korean way of life.

The book of Erik Cornell is unique and orginal Eyewitness Report from North korea. In mid of Seventies North Korea try open diplomatic relations with western european countries. Sweden, Denmark, Finland accepted this proves. Erik Cornell organised swedish Embassy in Pyongyang. He written about odrganisation obstacles . Typical is history with north Korean bank not accepted cheq from swiss bank. I hade tis situation in small scele in 1987.
Exchange cheq issued by Polish National Bank dued two weeks. Was lot visit in bank with comic talks. Interst was history about cheap liquor shop in Stockholm. This cheap sfop was DPRK embassy in Stokholm. This was begin North Korea,s Juche diplomacy. to this day north korean diplomats smuggling alcochol, cigarets and drugs. Another activity is illegal renting diplomatic rooms and buildings to commercial use. I now tis activity from DPRK Embasy in Poland. Interst was picture life diplomatic corps in Pyongyang. Special the relations with diplomats with East Block including Poland. Book detaily written everyday life DPRK and behaviour North Korean Foreifn Ministry officials. Seden together with Poland are members Neutral Supervisors Nations Commission. He informed about work this commission. 27 of July this year is
50 Anniversary of Korean Armistice. Korea is still divided, and book Erik Cornell is very usefull to understanding korean queation. I have strong recommended to reading all to interest korean issue.