The Korean War

by Max Hastings
The Korean War cover
Good Books rating 4.17
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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Paperback • £18.99
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  • ID: 9799
  • Added: 2026-01-03
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780330392884
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2000-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Korean War draws on first-hand accounts from soldiers on both sides to provide a vivid and detailed reassessment of one of the most devastating conflicts of the 20th century. The book offers a unique perspective on the war, highlighting the personal experiences and sacrifices of those involved. /n/n Beginning with the invasion of South Korea by the communist North on June 25, 1950, the book delves into the brutal and bloody conflict that followed. It explores the political, military, and social aspects of the war, providing a comprehensive overview of the events that shaped the Korean Peninsula. The author's use of first-hand accounts adds a human dimension to the narrative, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and general readers alike.

Reviews
Vishy the Knight · 2023-03-13
informative 4.00

The book is very informative and insightful despite some limitations. The author's perspective on the Korean War is highly valued.

The reviewer found Max Hastings' book on the Korean War to be very informative and insightful, despite some limitations. They particularly appreciated the author's perspective on the conflict, which they found to be both engaging and thought-provoking. The book provides a detailed account of the war, offering a high-level perspective that is both educational and engaging. The reviewer also noted that the book is well-researched and provides a comprehensive overview of the conflict.

Quick quotes

    I found Max Hastings' book on the Korean War very informative and insightful, inspite of its limitations.

    I loved what Max Hastings said in his book.

    The book provides a detailed account of the Korean War from high-level perspectives.

Q Curtius · 2021-01-23
critical 4.50

The book is considered one of the critical books needed for a proper understanding of the Korean War. It remains relevant despite being first published in 1987.

The reviewer considers Max Hastings' book on the Korean War to be one of the critical books needed for a proper understanding of the conflict. They note that the book remains relevant despite being first published in 1987. The reviewer appreciates the book's comprehensive coverage of the war, which they find to be both fascinating and insightful. The book is praised for its detailed account of the conflict, which is both educational and engaging. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-researched and provides a comprehensive overview of the war.

Quick quotes

    First published in 1987, it remains in my opinion one of the critical books needed for a proper understanding of this fascinating conflict that raged from 1950.

    The book provides a detailed account of the Korean War from high-level perspectives.

    The book is well-researched and provides a comprehensive overview of the conflict.

Goodreads · 1987-01-01
well-researched 4.00

The book is easy to read and well-researched, providing a detailed account of the Korean War from high-level perspectives.

The reviewer finds Max Hastings' book on the Korean War to be easy to read and well-researched. They appreciate the book's detailed account of the conflict, which they find to be both educational and engaging. The reviewer notes that the book provides a high-level perspective on the war, which is both informative and insightful. The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage of the conflict, which is both fascinating and thought-provoking. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-written and provides a comprehensive overview of the war.

Quick quotes

    It was the first war we could not win.

    At no other time since World War II.

    The book provides a detailed account of the Korean War from high-level perspectives.

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