Former director of the Institute for the Study of Korean Modernity, Kim , one of the most influential and meticulous scholars of modern Korean literature, offers an account of the development of modern fiction (sosol). The four stages of this development—the rise of Korean script and the corresponding decrease in the use of Chinese, the rise of a modern literature through magazines and newspapers, the appearance of professional writers, and the increasing importance of social themes—provide the book's framework and offer easy signposts with which to follow the narrative. Kim's primary achievement is highlighting the importance of the new print media—and the interaction of writers, publishers, and readers—in the rise of prose fiction, and his treatment of the diverse genres of fiction reveals the social and professional dynamic of the literary scene at the time. The sheer scope of Kim's study, the detailed and extensive notes, and the fluency and elegance of the translation by Rachel Min Park make this book not only a vital guide to early modern Korean fiction but also a genuinely enjoyable, if intense, read for those with a particular interest in the subject. Highly recommended.
