North Korea

Praise for previous edition:
Seth’s succinct narrative provides the necessary background to cut through the shallow journalism that stereotypes the North Korean state, society and leadership as aberrant. Revealing the complex historical roots of the North Korean revolution, this history takes the story into the current geo-political fervor that characterizes Northeast Asia in the 2010s. Anyone who wants to really understand the how’s and whys of North Korean state behaviour in the current moment must read this account

* Michael Robinson, Indiana University Bloomington, USA *
In this book, Seth gives us a broad, synthetic overview of North Korea’s transformation from a Soviet-style state to a dynastic regime. It examines the country’s ideological, political, and social developments, as well as its global connections. The result is a solid entry-level text that sets out in clear terms the defining features of North Korea past and present. * Christopher Green, Assistant Professor of Korean Studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands *
North Korea: A History is a well-researched study containing relevant data on Korea both prior to the 1945 division and up-to-date. No study I am aware of gives an equally substantial and current account of developments in a country considered to be the most difficult in the world to study. * Gabriel Jonsson, Associate Professor Korean Studies, Stockholm University, Sweden *
North Korea: A History is an exceptionally well-written book that makes balanced and effective use of both primary and secondary sources. It covers all the major topics concerning North Korea and thoughtfully presents the key contending interpretations. The author’s balanced approach makes this book an essential reading for undergraduates and beginning graduate students interested in North Korean studies. * Yong-Chool Ha, korea foundation professor of social science, the Henry Jackson school of international studies, University of Washington, USA *
North Korea: A History is a wonderful achievement. Seth offers a thorough, critical, and very engaging overview of the history of the totalitarian state. While he never excuses the regime’s decisions, he examines them from multiple perspectives and offers ample context, enabling readers to grasp the underlying rationale. * Roald Maliangkay, Deputy Director of the Korea Institute, The Australian National University, Australia *