The Korean War Remembered - (Studies in War, Society, and the Military) by Michael J Devine (Hardcover)

About the Book

Michael J. Devine explores the public memory of the Korean conflict of 1950-1953 to show how these memories have evolved over time in a complex and changing international environment and how they continue to impact U.S. efforts to resolve tensions with East Asia.

Book Synopsis

Michael J. Devine provides a fresh, wide-ranging, and international perspective on the contested memory of the 1950-1953 conflict that left the Korean Peninsula divided along a heavily fortified demilitarized zone. His work examines "theaters of memory," including literature, popular culture, public education efforts, monuments, and museums in the United States, China, and the two Koreas, to explain how contested memories have evolved over decades and how they continue to shape the domestic and foreign policies of the countries still involved in this unresolved struggle for dominance and legitimacy. The Korean War Remembered also engages with the revisionist school of historians who, influenced by America's long nightmare in Vietnam, consider the Korean War an unwise U.S. interference in a civil war that should have been left to the Koreans to decide for themselves.

As a former Peace Corps volunteer to Korea, a two-time senior Fulbright lecturer at Korean universities, and former director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library, Devine offers the unique perspective of a scholar with half a century of close ties to Korea and the Korean American community, as well as practical experience in the management of historical institutions.

Review Quotes

"If any single book can put to rest the "unforgotten war" cliche´, Michael Devine's The Korean War Remembered may be the one."--E. Taylor Atkins, Public Historian

"Devine's insights are crucial for understanding the complex dynamics of memory in international relations, making this book an invaluable resource for those who wish to understand the impact of historical memory on contemporary geopolitical strategies and relationships in East Asia. Through its thoughtful analysis and extensive research, this book serves as an essential guide for navigating the intricate narratives that continue to shape perceptions of the Korean War's legacy."--Junhyoung Lee, H-Diplo

"Devine's work is a valuable contribution to a growing subfield and is highly recommended to general readers and specialist alike."--Brendan Wright, Pacific Historical Review

"The Korean War Remembered: Contested Memories of an Unended Conflict is an impressively well written, organized and presented ground-breaking study that be of immense value to readers with an interest in America's involvement in the Korean War."--Midwest Book Review

"Devine sheds new light on memorialization's unintended, often polarizing consequences."--J. Daley, Choice-- (2/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Devine's book is an important piece of the history of the Korean War, East Asia and American involvement on the world stage. . . . A worthwhile consideration for reading in the coming year."--Steven L. Shields, Korea Times-- (1/6/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Highly engaging. Perhaps most impressive about The Korean War Remembered is the extent of the coverage, not just over time but also geographically, with insightful sections on the People's Republic of China and the two Koreas. Michael Devine shows an equally impressive grasp of how, say, Hollywood portrayed the war in the 1950s versus how various states, as well as the National Mall, have memorialized the conflict in recent decades."--Steven Casey, author of Selling the Korean War: Propaganda, Politics, and Public Opinion, 1950-1953

"The strength of this study is the author's effort to take a broad chronological overview that underscores change over time. While focused on the American memory of the Korean War, Michael Devine also places it in an international context."--G. Kurt Piehler, author of A Religious History of the American GI in World War II

About the Author

Michael J. Devine is an adjunct professor of history at the University of Wyoming. Previously he was the director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and a professor of history and director of the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming. He is the author of John W. Foster: Politics and Diplomacy in the Imperial Era, 1873-1917.