Donald Clark does a masterful job of situating the entire sweep of
Korean history in its global context thus belying the shop worn
stereotype of Korea as a hermit nation. Clark uses his mastery of both
medieval and modern history to vividly describe the often ignored
contributions of this fascinating society to East Asian civilization
writ large. His concise chapter arrangement and lively narrative writing
pulls the reader into the Korean story while showing just how relevant
that story is, particularly in modern times, for an American readership.
Clark has condensed without sacrificing important detail, and he
emphasizes important themes from Korea's past that have combined with
the turbulent 20th century to produce the complex strategic and economic
situation at the beginning of the 21st century on the peninsula.
Particularly trenchant are his chapters on the division of Korea as well
as a thoughtful treatment of North Korea which is too often ignored in
other texts. This book will make an excellent companion volume in East
Asia survey courses, and other courses on East Asia. After all, as Prof.
Clark points out again and again, understanding Korea remains vital to a
true appreciation of East Asia's past and present.