Cultural Treasures of Korea: Compilers, Chin Hong-Sop ... Et Al

This eight-volume set is a compilation of objects and monuments that have been designated as cultural treasures in Korea. Paintings, ancient books, calligraphy, stone carvings, architecture, tomb relics, and metalwork are all included. Good, full-page color photos of each object are followed by brief annotations. As a compendium of major Korean art objects, this work will appeal to specialized collections, but there are several limitations to its usefulness. The organization of the work is puzzling, with the objects divided into "national treasures" and "general treasures" so that each type of art appears in two separate places. The annotations for each object are not always as informative as could be desired, sometimes limiting themselves to an assertion of the object's excellence or significance without a lot of background or detail. The translation from Korean is also inexpert, resulting in unidiomatic English that is at times unintentionally humorous. Suitable for informed lay readers and specialists in the field.-Kathryn W. Finkelstein, M.Ln., Cincinnati Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information.