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Korea: War Without End
A ground-breaking history of this global conflict including the errors and miscalculations.
War Without End examines the stand-off between East and West in Korea that ultimately defined the second half of the 20th century. It provides a critical analysis of the lack of preparation by the West for war; the results of the North Korean invasion in June 1950; the counter-stroke by MacArthur in September and then the strategic overreach which led to communist China's involvement on the North Korean side, and the rapid escalation to consideration of the use of nuclear weapons.
Through meticulous analysis of all the source material, this book details the chaos of political decision-making at the war's outset and as it progressed. The Korean War was not planned as a Communist offensive against the West. In turn, the East did not understand the principle at the core of the Western response to Kim Il-sung's aggression, namely a refusal to appease an aggressor, the key mistake the West considered to be at the heart of the rise of Nazi Germany and militaristic Japan in the 1930s.
War Without End also considers the effect of the fighting on civilians. While the war was a proxy one between East and West, the people of Korea suffered immensely, with approximately 3 million war fatalities and a larger proportional civilian death toll than World War II. This is the definitive history of the conflict that is long overdue.
War Without End examines the stand-off between East and West in Korea that ultimately defined the second half of the 20th century. It provides a critical analysis of the lack of preparation by the West for war; the results of the North Korean invasion in June 1950; the counter-stroke by MacArthur in September and then the strategic overreach which led to communist China's involvement on the North Korean side, and the rapid escalation to consideration of the use of nuclear weapons.
Through meticulous analysis of all the source material, this book details the chaos of political decision-making at the war's outset and as it progressed. The Korean War was not planned as a Communist offensive against the West. In turn, the East did not understand the principle at the core of the Western response to Kim Il-sung's aggression, namely a refusal to appease an aggressor, the key mistake the West considered to be at the heart of the rise of Nazi Germany and militaristic Japan in the 1930s.
War Without End also considers the effect of the fighting on civilians. While the war was a proxy one between East and West, the people of Korea suffered immensely, with approximately 3 million war fatalities and a larger proportional civilian death toll than World War II. This is the definitive history of the conflict that is long overdue.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published May 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 6, 2025
I found the central thesis of Korea by Richard Dannatt and Robert Lyman to be very persuasive. Namely, the Korean War is mostly overlooked and understood even less. It was refreshing that the authors are not only clear about their aim but also passionate about the subject.
The narrative unfolds on two different levels. First, there are various explorations of specific, small team actions to drive home what it was like to fight in Korea. I found these sections very well done, but also a little bit misplaced. The other aspect of the book is more of a philosophical discussion of the war and how it was waged. This part of the book is good but at times repetitive or too high-level without hammering home ideas with details. Overall, my criticisms are pretty minor, and this is definitely worth a read for people looking for a better understanding of the war.
(This book was provided as a review copy by Osprey Publishing.)
The narrative unfolds on two different levels. First, there are various explorations of specific, small team actions to drive home what it was like to fight in Korea. I found these sections very well done, but also a little bit misplaced. The other aspect of the book is more of a philosophical discussion of the war and how it was waged. This part of the book is good but at times repetitive or too high-level without hammering home ideas with details. Overall, my criticisms are pretty minor, and this is definitely worth a read for people looking for a better understanding of the war.
(This book was provided as a review copy by Osprey Publishing.)
June 11, 2025
The Korean War (1950-53) is often referred to in the West as having been 'forgotten'. Sandwiched between the unconditional surrender of Axis forces at the end of the Second World War and the failed intervention in Vietnam during the subsequent couple of decades, it is too often seen as an adjunct to the former or a precursor of the latter. Fought by Second World War commanders, using weapons that would not have been out of place on the battlefields of 1944 and 1945, it is perhaps far too easy to dismiss the conflict as 'more of the same'. However, the Korean War was an early manifestation of East-West tensions which would dominate the geo-political agenda through until the early 1990s and, so it seems, well into the 21st Century. In this ground-breaking book, the authors offer up a reassessment of the Korean War which will, no doubt, accentuate its' historical relevance. Additionally, elements of this this book can be viewed as a case study supporting conclusions reached by the authors in their collaboration, Victory to Defeat: 1918-1940 (Osprey, 2024). Richard Dannatt and Robert Lyman, are, after all, particularly well qualified to address this topic. The former is a highly decorated military commander and the latter, who attained the rank of Major in the British Army, is a respected military historian.
The authors divide the Korean War into two distinct phases. The first was the United Nations (UN) led intervention following North Korea's unprovoked illegal invasion of the South on 25 June 1950. Post 1945 military cutbacks left Western forces ill-prepared, and as a result the well-equipped and highly motivated Korean People's Army, the In Mun Gun, nearly achieved reunification - pushing the Republic of Korea's (ROK) forces, along with those of their UN sponsored allies, back into a pocket centred around the coastal city of Pusan. The book vividly describes the chaotic retreat. However, the allied lines eventually stabilised and Douglas McArthur's masterful counter stroke at Inchon repelled the North Koreans back to the original border. The authors argue that at this point, the UN's legitimacy was affirmed, and jus ad bellum (the right to wage war) had been achieved.
The second phase, the authors contend, was a catastrophic overreach. Despite President Truman's desire for de-escalation, UN forces invaded North Korea on October 16, 1950. This provoked a massive Chinese intervention, a threat MacArthur had dismissed. The controls which normally determine the parameters within which military commanders operate were lacking in that the US Governments' policy of non-escalation was sidelined by a man who had accumulated an unprecedented amount of power and influence. The authors make a strong argument that whilst McArthur excelled at the operational art, his appreciation of strategy was severely lacking. Indeed, MacArthur was replaced by Matthew Ridgway after the UN-led invasion of the North had failed to achieve the anticipated result - the reunification of Korea under ROK president, Syngman Rhee.
Aside from strategic considerations, the authors offer up two further criticisms of the UNs prosecution of the war after the original 1950 line of delineation had been restored. The first concerns the legal justification for the UN led invasion of the North. Whilst the original intervention in June 1950 had legal legitimacy, the subsequent Allied counter stroke did not. The second criticism concerns the question of proportionality and the heavy toll paid by non-combatants. The number of civilian deaths was astronomical and outstrips in relative terms any previous war of recent memory. Indeed, North Korea lost over 16% of its' population and most cities north of the DMZ were reduced to rubble. However, while acknowledging the conflict could have ended earlier, the authors rightfully place overall responsibility for the war on Kim Il-sung.
Both phases of the war concluded at the 38th Parallel. Restoration of the status quo cost the Republic of China almost one million combatants. UN losses were of a much lower magnitude and many of them were incurred during the final year of the war, when each side fought to consolidate their positions along the restored, albeit still fluid, border. Ridgway's leadership during this period is commended for holding the line and protecting South Korea. Whilst the final eighteen months of the war became a struggle to consolidate lines of control, the ferocity of the fighting should not be underestimated. To this point, a couple of chapters are devoted to the Battle of Imjin River, a heroic story of vastly outnumbered defenders achieving the seemingly impossible - akin to the defence of Kohima against the Japanese in 1945. The device of blending the comprehensive eye-witness account of a National Service Subaltern with a historians' view works well. The men of the British 29th Infantry Brigade had much to be proud, and no more so than the 1st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment.
In summary, Dannett and Lyman offer a compelling critique of Allied conduct in the Korean War, drawing heavily on extensive primary and secondary resources, including the Truman Office Files (Harry S. Truman Library). The war ended in an armistice, not a peace deal and in the final two chapters the authors reflect on how it might have ended, and how it still might. By framing the conflict in two distinct phases, they have succeeded in elevating its' historical significance, hopefully raising awareness and promoting remembrance of the millions of lives lost in what was a particularly bloody conflict. A deeper understanding of what has gone before is crucial for future decisions, though reconciliation between North and South Korea remains elusive.
The authors divide the Korean War into two distinct phases. The first was the United Nations (UN) led intervention following North Korea's unprovoked illegal invasion of the South on 25 June 1950. Post 1945 military cutbacks left Western forces ill-prepared, and as a result the well-equipped and highly motivated Korean People's Army, the In Mun Gun, nearly achieved reunification - pushing the Republic of Korea's (ROK) forces, along with those of their UN sponsored allies, back into a pocket centred around the coastal city of Pusan. The book vividly describes the chaotic retreat. However, the allied lines eventually stabilised and Douglas McArthur's masterful counter stroke at Inchon repelled the North Koreans back to the original border. The authors argue that at this point, the UN's legitimacy was affirmed, and jus ad bellum (the right to wage war) had been achieved.
The second phase, the authors contend, was a catastrophic overreach. Despite President Truman's desire for de-escalation, UN forces invaded North Korea on October 16, 1950. This provoked a massive Chinese intervention, a threat MacArthur had dismissed. The controls which normally determine the parameters within which military commanders operate were lacking in that the US Governments' policy of non-escalation was sidelined by a man who had accumulated an unprecedented amount of power and influence. The authors make a strong argument that whilst McArthur excelled at the operational art, his appreciation of strategy was severely lacking. Indeed, MacArthur was replaced by Matthew Ridgway after the UN-led invasion of the North had failed to achieve the anticipated result - the reunification of Korea under ROK president, Syngman Rhee.
Aside from strategic considerations, the authors offer up two further criticisms of the UNs prosecution of the war after the original 1950 line of delineation had been restored. The first concerns the legal justification for the UN led invasion of the North. Whilst the original intervention in June 1950 had legal legitimacy, the subsequent Allied counter stroke did not. The second criticism concerns the question of proportionality and the heavy toll paid by non-combatants. The number of civilian deaths was astronomical and outstrips in relative terms any previous war of recent memory. Indeed, North Korea lost over 16% of its' population and most cities north of the DMZ were reduced to rubble. However, while acknowledging the conflict could have ended earlier, the authors rightfully place overall responsibility for the war on Kim Il-sung.
Both phases of the war concluded at the 38th Parallel. Restoration of the status quo cost the Republic of China almost one million combatants. UN losses were of a much lower magnitude and many of them were incurred during the final year of the war, when each side fought to consolidate their positions along the restored, albeit still fluid, border. Ridgway's leadership during this period is commended for holding the line and protecting South Korea. Whilst the final eighteen months of the war became a struggle to consolidate lines of control, the ferocity of the fighting should not be underestimated. To this point, a couple of chapters are devoted to the Battle of Imjin River, a heroic story of vastly outnumbered defenders achieving the seemingly impossible - akin to the defence of Kohima against the Japanese in 1945. The device of blending the comprehensive eye-witness account of a National Service Subaltern with a historians' view works well. The men of the British 29th Infantry Brigade had much to be proud, and no more so than the 1st Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment.
In summary, Dannett and Lyman offer a compelling critique of Allied conduct in the Korean War, drawing heavily on extensive primary and secondary resources, including the Truman Office Files (Harry S. Truman Library). The war ended in an armistice, not a peace deal and in the final two chapters the authors reflect on how it might have ended, and how it still might. By framing the conflict in two distinct phases, they have succeeded in elevating its' historical significance, hopefully raising awareness and promoting remembrance of the millions of lives lost in what was a particularly bloody conflict. A deeper understanding of what has gone before is crucial for future decisions, though reconciliation between North and South Korea remains elusive.
December 16, 2025
When I was on a recent historical travel tour I was asked by a British fellow tourist if there was a book on the Korean War that was not only from the American perspective. I immediately recommended this one, as I was reading it at the time. Richard Dannatt and Robert Lyman are both British Army veterans and military historians who review the Korean conflict with a more world oriented view, ready to tell the whole story, not just the American Experience. They view the war as having two distinct parts - the attack on South Korea , the Pusan Perimeter and Inchon as the first war- and the Allied invasion of North Korea and the subsequent involvement of the Chinese as a second, less simple morally , conflict. While Cold War history buffs will find lots of meat on the bone, general audience readers will find this a good basic history of the war so pivotal to the early Communist/Capitalist struggle.
The the US fought the war under the UN banner, and US and South Korean Armies were assisted by forces and services sent by the UK, India, Turkey, Belgium, The Philippines, France and Australia, to name just a few. While Dannatt and Lyman don't give you all their exploits, they do try to hit the high points and emphasise that while the US was paying the bills and handling logistics, a plethora of Allies were heavily involved and contributing. The full explanation of the Commonwealth Brigade and the Glosters at the Imjin River is worth reading this book alone. This is a book that can entice the world reader into studying the Korean War, for those who might have thought it just a US/Korean thing. It's the well written, full of maps book on the early Cold War conflict you didn't know you needed-but do.
There are a lot of adult themes, mostly political, and a few harrowing passages, so this ia best for the Junior Reader over 12/13 years with a historical interest. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, its a bit of a mixed bag- but a good book for mining the Korean war for ideas. Gamers will find a lot of smaller battles they might want to work as games- but they will need colour resources and other more focused books as well. The Modeler gets a great resource for build and diorama ideas - but will also want a few colour sources for depth. The Military Enthusiast gets a difficult and complex war explained in great detail from a world, not just USA, perspective. The general audience reader will find a good entre to the early Cold War, as the players figured out the rules of this new titanic wrestling match between nations .
The the US fought the war under the UN banner, and US and South Korean Armies were assisted by forces and services sent by the UK, India, Turkey, Belgium, The Philippines, France and Australia, to name just a few. While Dannatt and Lyman don't give you all their exploits, they do try to hit the high points and emphasise that while the US was paying the bills and handling logistics, a plethora of Allies were heavily involved and contributing. The full explanation of the Commonwealth Brigade and the Glosters at the Imjin River is worth reading this book alone. This is a book that can entice the world reader into studying the Korean War, for those who might have thought it just a US/Korean thing. It's the well written, full of maps book on the early Cold War conflict you didn't know you needed-but do.
There are a lot of adult themes, mostly political, and a few harrowing passages, so this ia best for the Junior Reader over 12/13 years with a historical interest. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, its a bit of a mixed bag- but a good book for mining the Korean war for ideas. Gamers will find a lot of smaller battles they might want to work as games- but they will need colour resources and other more focused books as well. The Modeler gets a great resource for build and diorama ideas - but will also want a few colour sources for depth. The Military Enthusiast gets a difficult and complex war explained in great detail from a world, not just USA, perspective. The general audience reader will find a good entre to the early Cold War, as the players figured out the rules of this new titanic wrestling match between nations .
August 3, 2025
An interesting look at the war that wasn't a war. The author has done an excellent job of portraying the battles, people and politics that occurred during the Korean conflict. The missteps by the US generals that led to needless deaths by our troops was deeply disturbing. The failure to believe the intelligence reports was nothing less than criminal. A heartbreaking story, but also one that highlighted the fortitude and bravery of the troops to overcome the odds and stop the aggression was inspiring. A good read for those looking to learn more of the Korean Conflict.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 5, 2025
It’s good in parts with some interesting perspectives. However, the editing is poor and some of the text is rambling and repetitive. The English is odd in places. It feels rushed.
The book talks about legal and illegal in the context of war and international relations. The authors use a frame of reference which they do not discuss in the text.
The book talks about legal and illegal in the context of war and international relations. The authors use a frame of reference which they do not discuss in the text.
February 14, 2026
An excellent work on the Korean war. Readable for experts and novices. It gives great overview while regularly bringing in the view of the soldier on the ground. Offers a great perspective of the role of UN forces and specifically the non US contingent, while not lessening or over exaggerating anyone's role. Really enjoyed this read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews