Sources of Korean Tradition, Vol. 2: From the Sixteenth to the Twentieth Centuries

Sources of Korean Tradition, Vol. 2 examines primary source materials from Korea's Chosŏn dynasty through the modern period. The collection includes political writings, philosophical texts, and social commentary translated into English. The book covers major historical transitions including Neo-Confucianism's influence, encounters with the West, the colonial period, and Korea's modernization. Documents range from royal edicts and scholarly debates to reform proposals and independence movement writings. Government policies, intellectual developments, and social changes are presented through the voices of officials, scholars, activists and others who shaped Korean history. The selections trace how Korean society responded to domestic pressures and foreign influences across four centuries. This volume illuminates the complex interplay between tradition and transformation in Korean civilization. The primary sources reveal how Koreans maintained cultural continuity while adapting to profound historical changes.

Readers appreciate this book as a comprehensive collection of primary sources covering Korean history from the Joseon Dynasty through the modern era. Students and scholars note its value as a reference text that provides context through detailed introductions to each section. Likes: - Clear translations of key historical documents - Strong focus on intellectual and political writings - Helpful annotations explaining cultural context - Chronological organization makes tracking developments easy Dislikes: - Dense academic language can be challenging for general readers - Some sections lack sufficient background information - Expensive pricing for students - Limited coverage of certain time periods Ratings: Goodreads: 4.14/5 (7 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (5 ratings) One academic reviewer on Amazon noted: "The translations and commentary are excellent, though the price point is steep for classroom use." A Goodreads reviewer mentioned wanting "more coverage of the late 19th century reform movements."

Sources of Chinese Tradition by William Theodore de Bary This collection presents key texts and documents from Chinese history and philosophy spanning multiple dynasties through modern times.

The Rise of Modern Japan by W.G. Beasley The text examines Japan's political, economic, and social transformation from the Tokugawa period through the twentieth century through primary documents and scholarly analysis.

A New History of Korea by Ki-baik Lee This comprehensive chronicle covers Korean civilization from prehistoric times through the modern era with emphasis on cultural developments and historical documents.

East Asia: Tradition and Transformation by Edwin O. Reischauer The book provides extensive coverage of China, Japan, and Korea's interconnected histories through translated primary sources and historical analysis.

Korea Old and New: A History by Carter J. Eckert, Ki-baik Lee, Young Ick Lew, Michael Robinson, and Edward W. Wagner This collaborative work presents Korea's historical development through original sources while connecting traditional Korea to its modern manifestation.

🔹 The book covers major historical documents and writings during Korea's encounters with Western civilization, including pivotal moments like the opening of Korea to foreign trade in 1876. 🔹 James B. Palais (1934-2006) was considered one of the world's foremost scholars of Korean history and taught at Harvard and the University of Washington for over 30 years. 🔹 This volume includes firsthand accounts of early Christian missionaries in Korea and their interactions with local populations, providing unique insights into the cultural clash between East and West. 🔹 The book features translated excerpts from the Sirhak (Practical Learning) movement, which challenged traditional Neo-Confucian thinking and promoted social reform in Joseon Korea. 🔹 Source materials in the book document Korea's dramatic transformation from a Confucian state to a Japanese colony, and eventually to a divided nation, through primary sources from key historical figures.