Publisher Description

A timely history of Korea, a country divided until recently by the last active 'cold war' frontier, yet whose common historical and cultural links remain strong. It describes the physical and cultural landscape in which this history unfolds, dealing with religious identities and social aspects such as food and drink, as well as more controversial issues like punishment and torture.

Notes

An informed and compelling perspective on this painfully divided nation.

Author Biography

Keith Pratt is Professor Emeritus at the Department of East Asian Studies at Durham University. He is author of numerous books and articles about Korea including, with Richard Rutt, Korea: A Historical and Cultural Dictionary (1999).

Table of Contents

Preface Maps: Early Kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula Modern Korea Chronology of Korean History Introduction I. The Creation of State Identity 1. From Earliest Times to AD 668: Cultural Patterns in Flux 2. Unified Silla, AD 668-936: The Building of Confidence 3. Koryo, 918-1392: The Struggle for Independence 4. Early to Mid-Choson, 1392-1800: The Search for an Acceptable Orthodoxy II. A Century of Insecurity 5. The Hermit Kingdom, 1800-64: Tradition at Work 6. Incursion, Modernization and Reform, 1864-1905: Tradition at Bay III. A Century of Suffering 7. Culture under Threat, 1905-45: The Colonial Era 8. Partition and War, 1945-53: Return to Disunity 9. Post-War Korea: Tradition and Change Sources and Further Reading Discography Acknowledgements Index

Review

a full and fascinating study of Korean history The Guardian Everlasting Flower is significant because for the first time there is a single book which surveys the whole cultural history of Korea, showing Korea's development within the Chinese cultural world, and demonstrating how the civilization of the peninsula changed under the impact of western and Japanese cultural influences in the twentieth century ... Pratt brings a comparative perspective to his discussion of Korean history which gives the book a breadth often missing in other works. History ... a very solidly researched, well-balanced and enjoyable read peppered with glimpses of wit and personal observation. It will be a valuable introduction to Korean history for undergraduates, non-academics and more specialist readers alike - and one that will hopefully inspire further reading. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies ... highly readable, well organised study of Korean history from earliest times to the present day. Asian Studies Review a solidly researched, well-balanced and enjoyable read peppered with glimpses of wit and personal observation. It will be a valuable introduction to Korean history for undergraduates, non-academics and more specialist readers alike Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies This book provides an informative and comprehensive coverage of the history of Korea from the prehistorical era to the present ... What distinguishes this book from other general histories of Korea is its thorough and meticulous survey of Korean cultural history ... The author does a superb job in analyzing the factors behind changes in Korean culture, in presenting Korea's cultural accomplishments, and assessing its often underestimated or even neglected contributions to the East Asian tradition. Experts as well as non-experts will find interesting and insightful knowledge of Korea and East Asia ... an excellent choice as a textbook for college level classes ... and a wonderful companion for Korea-bound travellers Canadian Journal of History Everlasting Flower represents a step forward in the historiography of modern Korea -- Donald Clarke, Professor of History

Long Description

The defiant dictatorship of North Korea and the thriving democracy of South Korea may appear starkly different, but they share a complex and often misunderstood history that is ably recounted in "Everlasting Flower," Keith Pratt" "traverses the ancient landscapes of the Koreas, from the kingdoms of Old Choson and Wiman Choson to the present-day 38th Parallel division. The book's engaging narrative details the wars, ruling dynasties, Chinese and Japanese imperialism, and controversial historical events such as the abuses of the Japanese occupation. "Everlasting Flower" applies an equally careful eye to religious practices, dress, and food, and augments the narrative with richly illustrated pictorial essays. As the Korean peninsula assumes a prominent role in world affairs, "Everlasting Flower" offers an invaluable survey of Korean history and culture.

Review Quote

This book provides an informative and comprehensive coverage of the history of Korea from the prehistorical era to the present . . . What distinguishes this book from other general histories of Korea is its thorough and meticulous survey of Korean cultural history . . . The author does a superb job in analyzing the factors behind changes in Korean culture, in presenting Korea's cultural accomplishments, and assessing its often underestimated or even neglected contributions to the East Asian tradition. Experts as well as non-experts will find interesting and insightful knowledge of Korea and East Asia . . . an excellent choice as a textbook for college level classes . . . and a wonderful companion for Korea-bound travellers

Details