This is a great chronological overview, from WWII till present day, of the history of Korea & the subsequent split up into North and South Korea. Each period is discussed in a chapter, about the whole region, or two, one for each country. The writing has a good flow that feels factual without being stuffy. The beginning feels a little repetitive, but this is only limited to the interplay between the introduction and the first chapters. The focus switches between countries in several chapters, but this never feels forced or repetitive, actually it enhances the distinction between the North and South and hence makes it easier to compare the two.

I would definitely recommend this to everyone. Especially with the current political climate.

Good presentation with the issues concerning the Korean peninsula. Well balanced considerationof issues.

Very informative! And timely! And terrifying! The author presents an interesting, well written book on the current crisis in North Korea. He delves into the history of the Korean peninsula, in a clear and easily understood manner. Into the Korean War. It's causes, and which world leaders were involved. How, after the war, North and South Korea developed, and how they got to the state that they are in today. And the history of the current North Korean leadership, it's quirks and goals. And why China continues to support the Kim regime, and why the US and Japan support South Korea.
The author ends with his thoughts on the future of the Korean peninsula. While he does not (no one can) predict the long term future, he does identify several factors that can affect the future. In his opinion, the only way to peace is through intercession by China, and responsive negotiations by South Korea, Japan, and the US. Without which, we risk a nuclear disaster.
This is a frightening book. You will not sleep well after reading it. But it is important to know what we are up against. Let's all hope and pray that it ends well.

A balanced and measured exploration of the two Koreas, written by someone with no axe to grind and thus able to avoid prejudice, scare-mongering and the facile assumptions so often made when talking about North Korea. Well-researched and clearly and accessibly written this is essential reading for anyone interested in the current situation on the Korean Peninsula.