Clayton Writes an Enjoyable Korean History

Matt Clayton. 2020. History of Korea. Captivating History series. Las Vegas, NV. (www.CaptivatingHistory.com)

Review by Stephen W. Hiemstra

Korea is one of the more contested locations in Asia.  During the seventieth through nineteenth centuries, Korea served as a buffer between Ming Dynasty in China and Imperial Japan. In the early twentieth century, the Russia viewed Korea as a stepping stone into Manchuria. During the Cold War between East and West, the division of North and South Korea hosted a short, very hot war and a long, shaky armistice. In the midst of global conflict, Korea has developed a distinctive culture of its own, not well understood outside the immediate neighborhood.

Introduction

Matt Clayton’s History of Korea is part of the Captivating History series that has this statement of objectives:

“A lot of history books just contain dry facts that will eventually bore the reader. That’s why Captivating History was created. Now you can enjoy history books that will mesmerize you. But be careful thought, hours can fly by, and before you know it, you’re up reading way past bedtime.” (backcover)

The author’s name appears nowhere in this book and cites on this work online are skimpy. The copyright page includes this statement:

“This book is for entertainment purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and should not be taken as expert instruction or commands. The reader is responsible for his or her own actions.” (iv)

In my experience as a reviewer, I have seen no such disclaimer attached to a nonfiction book. One can only guess who actually underwrote the preparation of these materials because the book reads like a easy-reading history book complete with a long list of pertinent references.

Organization

Clayton writes in ten chapters:

Land of the Bear
The Dragons of the East Sea
Dynasties Rise and Fall
The Joseon Dynasty of Goryeo
Foreign Invasions
Merchants, Farmers, and Foreigners
From Independence to Annexation
Korea at War
North Korea
South Korea (iv)

These chapters are proceeded by an introduction and followed by a conclusion, further readings, and references.

Joseon Dynasty

The formative period in Korean history dates roughly from 1374 through 1590, which Clayton describes as the Josean Dynasty. The Korean kingdoms were united under a monarchy that allied itself with the Ming Dynasty in China. This unity enabled the country to avoid being overrun by other powers and allowed the development a central administration.

Tax reform, military advancements, agricultural development, merit-based promotion, and the building of schools all took place during this period, especially under the administration of King Sejong (35). The respect for scholarship led to development of a phonetic alphabet, handgul, that replaced Chinese characters, which made it easier for ordinary Koreans to become literate (37)

Assessment

Matt Clayton’s History of Korea is a brief, accessible introduction to Korean history. I am not sure that Clayton succeeded in making Korean history captivating, but I enjoyed reading and finished the book promptly.

Clayton Writes an Enjoyable Korean History
Also see:
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The Who Question
Preface to a Life in Tension
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