Brief History - Böcker

With tensions escalating between the United States and North Korea over the North's resumption of its nuclear weapons program, Korea has recently become a focus of media attention. Home to more than 60 million people today, North Korea and South Korea have been divided along the 38th parallel since the defeat of Japan (Korea's former colonial ruler) at the end of World War II. Outside of Korea, South Korea is better known than its neighbour to the north is, and it has prospered over the last few decades as a model democratic regime. North Korea remains a secretive society, struggling to meet the needs of its people, and is something of a mystery to most outsiders. And while the geographical and ideological divisions that now separate the North from the South persist, the two countries share a long history and a uniquely Korean culture.Written by one of the leading experts on Korea, A Brief of Korea covers the history of Korea from the origins of the Korean people in prehistoric times to the economic and political situation in North and South Korea today. Providing a detailed overview of the cultural and historical influences that have shaped Korean society, the author discusses the major periods of Korean history—Three Kingdoms, Koryo Dynasty, and Chosun Dynasty; the foreign invasions Korea has endured; the post-World War II situation that led to the country's division and the Korean War; and developments in North and South Korea from the end of the Korean War up through the present.

Ancient Egypt was one of the longest-lasting civilizations the world has ever known. While most readers will be familiar with at least parts of ancient Egyptian history, contemporary Egypt and its connections to the ancient civilization are not always well understood. ""A Brief History of Egypt"" explores Egypt's broad political, economic, social, and cultural developments, from the mighty civilization of the past to the diverse cultural and political landscape of today, covering almost 6,000 years of history in a clear and concise manner. This book is a reliable introduction to the rich and fascinating history of Egypt and provides a solid background to this country. Today Egypt plays a vital role in the politics of the Middle East, and learning about its history, economic pressures, cultural identity, and social issues is essential to understanding the contemporary Middle East. Coverage includes: The Land and Its People; Ancient Egypt; Persian, Greek, Roman, and Arab Rule; Mamluk and Ottoman Rule; Early Westernizing Reform; The British Occupation and Nationalist Resistance; Ambiguous Independence; Military Rule and Arab Nationalism; Arab Socialism in Egypt; Anwar al-Sadat; and Contemporary Egypt.

Provides an overview of the historical events that have taken place and shaped the islands of the Caribbean Sea - beginning with an account of the indigenous populations before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 and ending with the major political and economic developments in early 2007 in Aruba, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, among others.The historical perspective is enriched by allusions to the culture, manners, and morals of particular periods, often highlighting the connection between literary activities and politics, such as the Negritude Movement, and literary figures and politicians, such as Juan Bosch in the Dominican Republic. Complementing the narrative are sidebars with important and unusual information on topics such as women pirates, meals eaten by slaves, and the cultural preference for strong leaders in the region. The authors attempt to give readers a multicultural perspective that will allow them to understand events from both an insider's and an outsider's viewpoints.

Central America is a tiny region, broken into seven even smaller nations. More than 5 million North Americans visit these countries every year, exploring Mayan ruins in Guatemala and Belize, discovering the rain forests of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, snorkeling in Honduras, and cruising through the Panama Canal. Written for a general audience, ""A Brief History of Central America"" focuses on the political events and cultural patterns that have shaped the region. Special themes, such as the causes of unity and disunity on the isthmus and the economic pressures on the rain forest from farming and tourism, are developed throughout the book. Coverage of the history of the region is up to date with new developments, including the continued struggle in the after-math of the civil wars, the impact of the free trade agreement signed with the United States, and recent elections. Coverage includes: ""The Land and Its First Peoples"", ""The Mayans and Their Neighbors"", ""The Spanish Conquest"" (1492-1541), ""The Federation of Central America"" (1823-1839), ""Civil Wars"" (1975-1996), ""The Challenge of Peace and Democracy"", and more.

Narrates the history of Great Britain from the earliest times to the 21st century, covering the entire island--England, Wales, and Scotland--as well as associated archipelagos such as the Channel Islands, the Orkneys, and Ireland as they have influenced British history. The central story of this volume is the development of the British kingdom, including its rise and decline on the world stage. The book is built around a clear chronological political narrative while incorporating treatment of social, economic, and religious issues.

The Brief History series introduces readers to the dramatic events, notable people, and special customs and traditions that have shaped many of the world's countries. Each engaging volume covers a specific country and offers a concise history of the struggles and triumphs of the people and cultures that have called that country home. Touching on factors as diverse as the development of the economy to the role of women in society to changes in the political landscape, these comprehensive volumes provide the key background information readers need to put current global events in historical perspective.

The book provides an unusual and noteworthy blend of narrative detail with a broad analytical framework...Recommended...—Choice Argentina has a population that ranks among the most educated and skilled in Latin America. Illiteracy scarcely exists among even the poor and working-class citizens, and Argentina's middle class has historically been large and politically engaged. Yet this country remains mired in economic instability, chronic unemployment, strict class divisions, and political corruption. Juan Perón's attempts to establish a democracy were all but erased during the militaristic Dirty War, and the last three elected presidents did little to raise the morale of their country. Still, Argentine citizens refuse to accept their current conditions. Prosecutors, victims, and families of victims remain determined to address the injustices and tyranny that occurred during the Dirty War and the two-decade silence that followed. Additionally, in a significant demonstration of progress, Argentines elected a woman president for the first time in October 2007. Spanning more than 12,000 years of history, A Brief History of Argentina, Second Edition thoroughly and comprehensively explores these issues and discusses how they will affect Argentina's future. Coverage includes: A comprehensive summary of Argentina's diverse geography and its varied natural resources The origins of the deep-seated practices of discrimination, which continue today The effects of neoliberalism on Argentina's large working class and urban poor, culminating in the caserola movement, the piqueteros movement, and the birth of the cartoneros The impact a changing global economy has had within Argentina's borders The rich culture of Argentina, which has created five Nobel laureates, vibrant cities that draw millions of tourists annually, and sports teams that have won multiple world championships.|The book provides an unusual and noteworthy blend of narrative detail with a broad analytical framework...Recommended...—Choice

The Brief History series introduces readers to the dramatic events, notable people, and special customs and traditions that have shaped many of the world's countries. Each engaging volume covers a specific country and offers a concise history of the struggles and triumphs of the peoples and cultures that have called that country home. Touching on factors as diverse as the development of the economy to the role of women in society to changes in the political landscape, these comprehensive volumes provide the key background information readers need to put current global events in historical perspective.