Recent Books

Annals of the Goryeo Kingdom

Baek Ji-won; Jinmyong Books: 424 pp., 528 pp.,., 13,900 won and 14,900 won respectively

Following ``Behead the King,'' a two-volume history of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), the U.S.-based historian has released "Annals of the Goryeo Kingdom." The writer has a poignant insight on Korean history which has been often distorted and whitewashed by later winners and powers in society.

The book points out that the perceptions toward Goryeo history have been particularly twisted and narrow. The Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392) was a Buddhist nation but was a dynamic society open to diverse thoughts.

The author appreciates the Goryeo Kingdom as the crucial state in which the origin of the Korean way of thinking, language and culture was incubated and the most diverse political system was established throughout Korean history.

The book sheds a new light on the historical incidents that transformed history and heroic figures who tried to save the nation from the invasion of the Mongol Empire.

The book also overturns the previous appreciation toward two major Buddhist monks. Shin Don was regarded as an evil Buddhist monk but was actually a reformative one, while Myo Cheong who was considered a reformative monk was not a good man.

-Chung Ah-young

Mini Messaging: The Art of Smart Texting

Jasper Kim: Ewha Womans University Press: 144 pp., 7,000 won

Communication through digital devices accelerates social networking among tech-savvy modernists as the new social media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter brings down the barriers separating people around the world who exchange information and thoughts through sending and receiving immediate messages.

The book guides us how to effectively communicate with others through terse and clear text messages in English. It is the first and only book in English telling the writing strategies for the smart texting from emails to smart phone texts and even blogging.

The book consists of two parts ― the Art of Short Messaging Strategy and the Science of Short Messaging Strategy. The strategies are elaborated on in an easy and straight forward way to enable readers to compare long sentences with short and condensed ones.

This "mini book" offers the fundamental principles related to the art and science of using "plain English" for short messaging strategies. Writing in plain English ― simple, concise sentences ― is important to deliver the messages as clearly as you intend to.

Rosanjin: Probing the Culinary Road

Park Young-bong, edited by Shin Han-gyun; Jinmyong Publishers: 304 pp., 18,000 won

Kitaoji Rosanjin (1883-1959) was a prolific Japanese artist, accomplished in a wide range of arts including calligraphy and pottery, seal engraving, lacquer work and design.

Moreover he is known for his ``authority'' on matters of taste. In particular he emphasized the importance of food art/presentation, and created beautiful pottery to present his scrumptious food. In addition, he founded the Bishoku Club (Gourmet's Club) in 1921.

Nevertheless, his unique personality made him stick out like a sore thumb, and he was something of a notorious outsider during his time.

Rosanjin, regardless, left behind a culinary legacy that brought Japanese cuisine to a new level. Today he is mentioned several times on the Japanese TV show ``Iron Chef'' and is the model for the protagonist of the famous Japanese manga ``Oishinbo (The Gourmet).''

This book looks into his life to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his death. It focuses on how plates and tableware complete a premier dish, and provides colorful photographs of Rosanjin's artwork.

-Lee Hyo-won

Mothers of Monks

Ven. Beopjeon et al; Dopiansa: 360 pp., 15,000 won

Discover love and the Buddhist religion through the new book ``Mothers of Monks'' this spring.

Buddhist masters spend much time meditating in temples and sharing Buddhist teachings of letting go of all commitments, greed and hate. The book poses the question few people may have pondered: Was it easy for mothers to let go of their children, particularly their own mothers while they were seeking truth through religion?

``Mothers of Monks'' offers the admiration and respect 12 monks have toward their mothers, and it is indeed a breath of fresh air for it is hard to find books or monks that discuss their personal lives outside religion.

The first chapter of the book describes childhood memories and incidents the 12 masters had with their mothers, while the second chapter deals with the mothers of famous monks and Buddhist masters around the world.

``When I decided to become a Buddhist monk, my mother didn't say anything. She just stood behind me without a word. She was a strong and gentle person, and I think I am a lot like her,'' Ven. Beopjeon wrote.

Supporting their children is one of the best things mothers do, and the book shows that this was the same for the mothers of thosewho devoted themselves to religious life and became masters throughout the years.

-Han Sang-hee