This book of Korean history is an unofficial and exceptionally honest biography of South Korea's deposed chief executive, Syngman Rhee. Rhee's career spanned the decades between the late-nineteenth-century period of China's suzerainty in Korea and the revolt of April 1960 and reached a peak of popularity following his country's liberation at the end of World War II. Yet, twelve years later he was thrown out of office by revolution. During his lifetime, he has become almost a legend in both East and West and, in much of the world, is considered the virtual embodiment of the Korean struggle for independence. "The story of South Korea," the author further observes, "is indeed the story of its erstwhile president, even as the fall of his government can be traced directly to the personal shortcomings of the head of state."A fascinating read for Korean Americans or anyone interested in Korean history and culture, this work is an excellent addition to any collection of political biographies.
