Korea's Place in the Sun: A Modern History

Korea's Place in the Sun: A Modern History by Cumings, Bruce. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780393040111.

Bruce Cumingss rich narrative focuses on Koreas fractured, shattered, twentieth-century history. In 1910 Korea lost its centuries-old independence, and it remained an exploited colony of Japan until 1945. Then came national division, political turmoil, a devastating war, and the death and dislocation of millions, all of which left Korea still divided and in desperate poverty. Its recovery and spectacular growth over the next generation is one of this centurys most remarkable achievements. Cumings provides a compelling account of Koreas travails and triumphs in the modern period.