Encyclopedia of the Korean War: A Political,Social,and Military History

From Booklist
Tucker, who also edited ABC-CLIO's Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War: A Political, Social, and Military History (1998), has produced a similar book for the Korean War, utilizing an A-Z format complemented with a broad selection of maps, primary source documents, and additional supporting materials, including a host of illustrations and a detailed time line. Among the contributors are experts with military and academic backgrounds (a number of them Korean), and the introduction is written by John S. D. Eisenhower. A comprehensive list of entries followed by the same selection of 20 maps appears at the start of each volume. The maps are in black and white, with most detailing the war's main battles. More than 600 entries make up the first two volumes of the set. The typical entry spans one to three pages, although longer entries are not uncommon. True to its subtitle, this encyclopedia's scope goes beyond the military and directly associated political events surrounding the conflict and treats the social and political climate of the time. Topics such as African-Americans and the Korean War, McCarthyism, and Poetry of the Korean War are covered with thought-provoking articles. Of course, essential information surrounding the war's battles, military and political leaders, combat equipment and techniques, and political events is well covered and often discussed in detail. Each entry includes a list of references to other materials and cross-references to other entries in the encyclopedia. Volume three offers easy access to 147 primary source documents and additional supporting materials. The documents are presented in chronological order and cover key speeches as well as major reports and agreements. The volume also offers a useful time line, an order of battle, a selected bibliography, and a general index. Libraries owning Tucker's Vietnam encyclopedia should find this work a similarly useful resource. Those needing minimal coverage may consider Conflict in Korea: An Encyclopedia [RBB F 1 00] or Garland's The Korean War: An Encyclopedia (1995) as alternatives. The former title is broader in scope, covering all major Korean events from 1945 to the present, while the latter title provides essential information about the war in one volume. Libraries seeking wide-ranging reference coverage of the Korean War will be best served by owning all three works. But for the most complete treatment in a single source, Encyclopedia of the Korean War would be an excellent choice for high-school, public, and academic libraries. REVWR
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The Book Report, Starred Review, 1/1/2001
"... an excellent choice for high school libraries. Highly recommended."

Book Description
The Encyclopedia of the Korean War is the most comprehensive reference work on the war to date and will set a new standard for military history. Following on the heels of the triumphant Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War, it features: 600+ entries, many built on new information from Russian and Chinese archives 100+ contributors, both civilian professors and military officers 147 primary source documents 150+ illustrations 20 maps Coverage of pre- and postwar Korea Coverage of hitherto secret Soviet and Chinese involvement Korean and U.S. perspectives Chronology of Korean history Glossary General bibliography Cross-references Index

From the Publisher
Award-winner: Best Reference Source 2000 Library Journal Editors' Choice 2000 Booklist


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This magnificent set does, for the first time, proved a definitive reference source. It will, indoubtedly, be an essential tool for both military historians and Korean Studies specialists.


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