{"product_id":"the-koreans-michael-breen-9780312326098","title":"The Koreans: Who They Are, What They Want, Where Their Future Lies","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe rise of South Korea is one of the most unexpected and inspirational developments of the latter part of our century. A few decades ago, the Koreans were an impoverished, agricultural people. In one generation they came out of the fields and into Silicon Valley. In 1997, this powerhouse of a nation reeled and almost collapsed as a result of a weak financial system and heavily indebted conglomerates. The world is now watching to see whether the Koreans will be able to reform and continue their stunning growth. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAlthough Korea has only recently found itself a part of the global stage, it is a country with a rich and complex past. Early history shows that Koreans had a huge influence on ancient Japan, and their historic achievements include being the first culture to use metal movable type for printing books. However, much of their history is less positive; it is marred with political violence, poverty, and war--aspects that would sooner be forgotten by the Koreans, who are trying to focus on their promising future. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe fact that Korean history has eluded much of the world is unfortunate, but as Korea becomes more of a global player, understanding and appreciation for this unique nation has become indispensable. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThe Koreans, \u003c\/i\u003eMichael Breen provides an in-depth portrait of the country and its people. An early overview of the nature and values of the Korean people provides the background for a more detailed examination of the complex history of the country, in particular its division into the Communist north and pro-Western south. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn this absorbing and enlightening account of the Koreans, Michael Breen provides compelling insight into the history and character of this fascinating nation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Michael Breen\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 0312326092\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780312326098\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e St. Martins Press-3PL\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 01\/17\/2004\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 286\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.97lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.90h x 6.00w x 0.80d","brand":"Michael Breen","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":43992932188415,"sku":"9780312326098","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_9b4176e5-cbd0-44d4-be30-720676febe2a.jpg?v=1683321604","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/the-koreans-michael-breen-9780312326098","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}