This is a comprehensive study beginning about 30 000 years ago with the paleolithic age through to 1960 when Korea’s first president, Rhee, had to step down after public demonstrations. The author included the ancient tribes to the ancient Silla era, then detailed the rulers during the Koguryo, Paekche and Silla dynasties. The final dynasty, the Yi Dynasty, sometimes referred to as the Josean Dynasty ended when the last king mysteriously died during Japanese occupation.

This book was easy to read, but full of struggles for most of the population over the centuries brought on by greed and a hunger for power. Although there were interesting details about how the Japanese profited in Korea during its occupation, no mention was made of comfort women—the Korean women who were kidnapped and used as prostitutes for the Japanese soldiers.

• Non-fiction 5 out of 5s