An Introduction to Classical Korean Literature: From Hyangga to P'ansori

by Kichung Kim

This work provides an introduction to some of the most important and representative genres of classical Korean literature. Coverage includes: Samguk sagi and samguk yusa as literature; Kunmong and Unyongchon; the lyricism of Koryo songs; and the literature of Chosen Dynasty Women.

246 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1996

Reviews

[Szczupak]

Bardzo poszerzająca horyzonty lektura. Żałuję jednak, że niektóre tematy potraktowano mniej obszernie, ale przynajmniej znalazłam wiele kolejnych źródeł do pogłębiania swojej wiedzy.

[Ocean G]

Seems to be a thorough primer of Korean Literature from the very beginning until the end of the Chosun dynasty. I'm not sure I agree with another review that says this was translated from Korean, since the author is apparently a professor of English at San Jose State University. Regardless, it has definitely been catered to an English speaking audience, with comparisons to Shakespeare's works, and even examples of English language Shijo poems composed by the author's students.

For someone like me, who has an interest but knows very little about the subject, this was very enlightening.

It's too bad it ends with the introduction of Hangul as a common written medium. It would have been nice to continue a bit further to see how the literature progressed over the 20th century.

[Charles Montgomery]

Good historical overview... not so good since it is translated from Korean and expects you to know the Korean works about which it speaks......