The Korean War

By: Max Hastings

Narrated by: Cameron Stewart

On 25 June, 1950, the invasion of South Korea by the Communist North launched one of the bloodiest conflicts of the last century. The seemingly limitless power of the Chinese-backed North was thrown against the ferocious firepower of the UN-backed South in a war that can be seen today as the stark prelude to Vietnam.

Max Hastings drew on first-hand accounts of those who fought on both sides to produce this vivid and incisive reassessment of the Korean War, bringing the military and human dimensions into sharp focus. Critically acclaimed on publication, The Korean War remains the best narrative history of this conflict.

©1987 Max Hastings (P)2014 Audible Studios

Great Read

Very interesting and informative book. I was astounded with how many references there were to the nuclear option. it's frightening how close we came.

Strong mil-focused history of Korean War

Deft handling of military and political aspects, but a little weak on politics and lacks post-ussr fall docs. Aside from that doesn't feel all that dated and he takes advantage of when he wrote it to conduct interviews with lots of different voices. could have gone a bit deeper militarily. Pow chapter of Koreans held in the aouth fascinating. Good job weaving in different non-elite voices and from multiple sides. Would've loved to learn more about Turkish fighters. Worthy war in the end, particularly given how ROK has been able to thrive, important to see relative morality when defending flawed regime that's better than alternative. But enough with the Uk analysis can do no wrong.
Not a brilliant work, but good research and interviews went into it. Mac portrait good and concise, not much on us high politics. Good on characterizing how societies were responding to the war, perspective from everyday Americans and uk. Odd to think that uk in 1950 saw itself a first rate power, empire would last for awhile was operating assumption. Have to always be contextualizj get, imagining what is the recent history of the subjects, get a sense of their historical and political frame of references.

The Korean War - Hasting's Take

Story: Overall, the book is very good and covers elements not covered in most books on Korea such as the UK contributions to the UNC. I recommend this book.

Narrator: it is always a pleasure to listen to Cameron Stewart. There is usual bias of an American listening to a British voice.

Production: Excellent.

Like his book on vietnam, a truly gratifying, educational, introspective, and all encompassing experience

While the book is a bit dated at this point, it provides the most essential account of the Korean War. It bears some resemblances in narrative structure to Tradegy, such as focusing on the experiences of pows and the airmen by about the 2/3 or 3/4 point, which isn’t bad just something I noticed. Also like Tragedy, the last chapter is an almost awe-inspiring exercise in reflection, summary, introspection and making you feel like you understand the conflict as well as most historians. Has made me think twice about my views on Communism, and the best use of limited warfare.

simply the best chronology and

simply the best chronology and analysis o the Korean War ...heavy on facts and reflection