Korea and Her Neighbors
Gelesen von Availle
Isabella L. Bird
(4,5 Sterne; 8 Bewertungen)
In this book, Isabella L. Bird, who had been elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society only 2 years prior, describes her travels through Korea from 1894 - 1897 in her well-known style. She went on lengthy trips through the interior of what is today both North- and South Korea and vividly describes the landscapes, people and customs of the "Hermit Kingdom".
Isabella's sojourn coincided with a time of great turmoil in Korea. Shortly after her arrival, the Japanese occupied the country, ostensibly to protect their expatriate community. But when relations worsend further, Isabella was forced to flee, first to Manchuria, and, after the outbreak of the first Sino-Japanese War (1894 - 1895), to Russia. She returned to Korea only days after the assassination of Queen Min in October 1895, and saw King Gojong reduced to a mere "salaried automaton" until he fled to the Russian Legation in 1896. Isabella, having had several audiences with the monarchs throughout her stay in Seoul, gives a first hand account of the political and governmental changes throughout this time.
Altogether, this is a fascinating account of Korea at a time when the country was not only torn between tradition and modernisation, but also found herself a pawn of Japan, China, and Russia, all vying for control in the Far East. (Summary by Availle)
(18 hr 25 min)
Chapters
Bewertungen
Korea at a critical moment
Dennis Murray
(3 Sterne)
This rather long book recounts the events surrounding a pivotal moment in the modern history of Korea. As such it is more an analysis of political machinations of the time than a travel story and less engaging than the other extraordinary books by this wholly remarkable traveller. However the reading by Availle is, as always, superb.
Another FANTASTIC reading from Availle
Echolallies
(5 Sterne)
Isabella Bird was an amazing woman, and this is another of her incredible travelogues. Availle is one of my favourite readers on the site and it's a joy to hear this book. I have listened to it three times and there is still more to find out each time. Highly recommended and thoroughly enjoyed.