Sourcebook of Korean Civilization

The Sourcebook of Korean Civilization is a comprehensive collection of primary source documents that span Korean history from ancient times through the twentieth century. The book presents translated texts covering politics, society, philosophy, and culture. The compilation includes official records, personal writings, religious texts, and literary works, providing direct access to historical Korean voices and perspectives. Each document contains contextual information and annotations to aid understanding. The selections represent major historical periods including the Three Kingdoms era, Unified Silla, Goryeo, Joseon, and modern Korea. The texts showcase both elite and common perspectives, from royal proclamations to folk traditions. This sourcebook illuminates the development of Korean identity and civilization through original documents rather than secondary analysis. The collection reveals the complex interplay between indigenous Korean culture and influences from China, Buddhism, and the modern West.

Readers note this collection provides primary source materials covering Korean history through 1960. Students and academics cite its comprehensiveness for research and teaching. Readers appreciated: - Clear translations of original documents - Inclusion of social history and cultural texts beyond political events - Detailed annotations explaining historical context - Coverage of both elite and common people's perspectives Common criticisms: - High price point ($90+ new) - Dense academic language can be challenging for general readers - Some translations feel stilted or awkward - Limited coverage of 20th century sources Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (8 reviews) Notable review quote: "An invaluable resource for understanding Korean civilization's development, though the academic tone makes it less accessible to casual readers." - Goodreads reviewer The book appears most frequently in university course syllabi and academic citations rather than general reader reviews.

Sources of Korean Tradition by William Theodore de Bary This sourcebook contains primary documents from Korean history spanning ancient times through the twentieth century, with translations and historical context for each text.

Sources of Chinese Tradition by William Theodore de Bary This collection presents key texts and documents from Chinese civilization, offering readers a parallel understanding of East Asian cultural and philosophical development.

Sources of Japanese Tradition by Donald Keene The volume compiles essential Japanese historical documents, religious texts, and literary works from ancient periods through modern times.

Korea: A Historical and Cultural Dictionary by Keith Pratt and Richard Rutt This reference work provides entries on Korean historical figures, places, events, and cultural concepts with source material citations.

A History of Korea: From Antiquity to the Present by Michael J. Seth The book incorporates primary source material throughout its chronological narrative of Korean civilization from prehistoric times to contemporary society.

🔹 The book is part of a groundbreaking series that marks the first comprehensive anthology of Korean civilization materials to be published in any Western language. 🔹 Peter H. Lee, the editor, is considered one of the pioneering scholars who helped establish Korean Studies as an academic discipline in North America during the 1960s and 70s. 🔹 The sourcebook includes rare primary sources ranging from ancient myths and royal chronicles to personal letters and philosophical treatises, many translated into English for the first time. 🔹 The collection spans over 1,500 years of Korean history, from early state formation through the end of the Choson dynasty in 1910. 🔹 The project involved collaboration between dozens of scholars from South Korea, North Korea, Japan, and Western countries, bridging political divides to create a comprehensive historical record.