Description
Book SynopsisSurveying histories of Korea written during the twentieth century, Henry H. Em examines how the project of national sovereignty shaped the work of Korean historians and their representations of the country's past.
Trade Review"In this clear, concise, and fascinating book, Henry H. Em addresses key issues in Korean history and historiography, especially the writing of nationalist history. His emphasis on what might be called the redemptive potential of the nation for a democratic politics is highly original. It will interest students of nationalism, regardless of their area of study."—
Andre Schmid, author of
Korea between Empires, 1895–1919"In this deeply researched book, Henry H. Em ranges across the entirety of Korean history to illumine how a unique civilization defined its own sovereignty and particularity, first for itself and vis-à-vis its neighbors, China and Japan, and then for its place in the world as a modern nation. Learned, subtle, and theoretically informed,
The Great Enterprise is a major achievement."—
Bruce Cumings, Chair, Department of History, University of Chicago
"The book is studded with references to studies by Western scholars... showing Em’s mastery of the subject. His detailed analysis of the interaction between Korean sovereignty and imperialism/colonialism is convincing, and his overall genealogy of modern Korean historians is plausible. In sum, Em’s book is an important addition to the study of modern Korea and Korean historiography." -- Chizuko T. Allen * Pacific Affairs *
"A much-needed contribution to the intertwined history of nationalism and historiography in Korea, with the distinctive ability to unsettle many of our received wisdoms." -- Namhee Lee * Korea Journal *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix
Introduction 1
Part I. Sovereignty
1. Sovereignty and Imperialism 21
2. Imperialism and Nationalism 53
Part II. History Writing
3. Nationalizing Korea's Past 87
4. Universalizing Korea's Past 114
5. Divided Sovereignty and South Korean Historiography 138
Appendix 1. Names and Vital Dates 161
Appendix 2. Character List 165
Notes 171
Bibliography 229
Index 247
