Korea: The First War We Lost

by Alexander Bevin

This fast moving study is the first to be written by a professional army historian and capably challenges many of the traditional interpretations.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Military History

590 pages, Hardcover

First published July 11, 1986

Reviews

[Checkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A competently written historical account of the Korean War by a professional historian who commanded the Army's 5th Historical Detachment in 1951-1952 during the Korean War. As a result Mr. Alexander has an air of authenticity to his writing, much like Roy Appleman and T.R. Ferhenbach brought to their books about the war.

The book is a large volume with 62 chapters and almost 600 pages. The chapters average 10 - 12 pages and examine individual battles - both military and political battles. There are fourteen maps which are a tremendous help (so often writers skimp on the maps) and literally dozens of photographs which are also greatly appreciated. The writing is easy to follow and Alexander does not get down into the weeds of tactical battle accounts. The reader with little to no military background is spared trying to follow the movements of platoons and battalions. Mr. Alexander also examines the political situation, looking beyond the usual MacArthur - Truman conflict, and gives an in-depth examination of the truce talks. I mention that because he does very good work making that last topic interesting.

All in all a solid overall view of the war with a bit more focus on the truce talks then is found in other accounts of the war. A good read for the casual or for one who is new to reading about "The Forgotten War". It can sate any curiosity one might have and can lead one to more in-depth studies as well.

[Chris Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an impressive chronicling of the war in Korea by an Army trained historian. He explains what happened and why allocates responsibility, and ensures the reader understands the events as he describes them. It is a professional effort and it delineates the horrors of the period. Informative and well done.

[Geralt · Rating 4 out of 5]

再一次证明美国的政坛无非就是反共，利益，党争，世界老大，一场完全可以避免的战争，硬是给多方造成了巨大的伤害，更是让美国人多年来不敢宣传这场被遗忘的战争。

书中对美国政坛在战争中的表现得比较多，资料也很多，尽力保持了客观。
站在美国人的视角，对战争各个层面的解说也很不错。
但说实话书中的那些数据，尤其是书尾的阵亡数据，真的只能看一乐。1比36.4的阵亡比，果然美国人是拯救世界的超级英雄，硬是同情中国人跟中国停战了。学到了没？

[Rebecca Crunden]

⤑ research tag: in an effort to organise my shelves, I'm going to be labelling the books I'm using for study purposes as I tend to dip in and out of these.

[WaldenOgre · Rating 4 out of 5]

中美之间的差异绝不仅仅是GDP的高低，此书可作另一例证。该书的作者和首席译者同为亲历过朝鲜战争的前军人和前对手，但看看作者后记和译者后记便一目了然：从文笔到眼界、情怀，那几乎是全方位的差距啊。

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

When will the war between North Korea and South Korea be over? After the War 2,many countries have developed quickly because of peaceful life.Korea People really need HELP!