Korea and her neighbors A narrative of travel, with an account of the recent vicissitudes and present position of the country

"Korea and Her Neighbors" by Isabella L. Bird is a vivid travelogue that transports readers to late 19th-century Korea, a land grappling with change. Bird's journey from Japan unveils a country of stark contrasts, where stunning landscapes meet social unrest. She shines a light on Korea's hidden identity, a nation little known and deeply affected by its neighbors. The book captures the reader's attention by showing us the nature of Korean society, and foreshadows how global politics and emerging Western ideas would shape the nation's future. Bird expertly sets the stage for a detailed exploration of a kingdom on the brink of transformation.