By Kim Ji-soo
Staff Reporter
A Commemoration Commission to mark 100 years of modern Korean literature published in November a seven-volume series that offers an insight into the literature of the two Koreas from the past century.
Professor Emeritus Lee Seon-young of Yonsei University, chairman of the commission, said, `` This series, which arranges and evaluates Korean literature of the past century from today's point of view, was published in the hope of serving as a stepping stone for the development of Korean literature.''
The publication comprises seven volumes that can be divided into three categories ― the ``History of Literature Read Chronologically'' (one volume); the ``History of Literature Read Biographically'' (two volumes); and the ``History of Literature Read According to Thesis'' (four volumes).
The first books includes short commentaries on leading writers and works and reveals publication details regarding the works and main events of the time, making it easy to grasp the significance of Korean literature at that time. The next two selects 300 distinguished writers, describing their lives, works and achievements. The final four books deals with the themes of Korean literature by age.
Lee said that the series covers both South and North Korean literature, as well as its history, and that the books were written by more than 140 researchers of modern Korean literature. The series is expected to help the public understand more about the subject.