'Paul French writes with wit, eloquence and rare clarity about the complicated history of North Korea.' Barbara Demick, author of Nothing to Envy: Real Lives in North Korea 'North Korea's ability to worry and shock remains perhaps the only predictable aspect of the country's behaviour. Paul French's no-nonsense approach to understanding the country's history, political system, ideology and what remains of its decimated economy is one of the best introductions to a country that does all it can to resist outside inspection and comprehension. This is the most accessible starting point for anyone wanting to understand the hermit kingdom.' Kerry Brown, professor and director, China Studies Centre, University of Sydney 'This clear-eyed overview to North Korea's modern history is packed full of fascinating detail. French ably outlines the hermit kingdom's ideology, economic system and haphazard efforts at reform, while simultaneously revealing why pickpockets target Kim Il-sung badges, what the North Korean cabinet's position is on lice and why smoking can be a small act of resistance.' Louisa Lim, Beijing correspondent, NPR '...enriches one's understanding of the Hermit Kingdom. The book provides a well-informed analysis for scholars of all ages and particularly for researchers on North Korea.' Political Studies Review 'Paul French writes with wit, eloquence and rare clarity about the complicated history of North Korea.' Barbara Demick, author of Nothing to Envy: Real Lives in North Korea 'North Korea's ability to worry and shock remains perhaps the only predictable aspect of the country's behaviour. Paul French's no-nonsense approach to understanding the country's history, political system, ideology and what remains of its decimated economy is one of the best introductions to a country that does all it can to resist outside inspection and comprehension. This is the most accessible starting point for anyone wanting to understand the hermit kingdom.' Kerry Brown, professor and director, China Studies Centre, University of Sydney 'This clear-eyed overview to North Korea's modern history is packed full of fascinating detail. French ably outlines the hermit kingdom's ideology, economic system and haphazard efforts at reform, while simultaneously revealing why pickpockets target Kim Il-sung badges, what the North Korean cabinet's position is on lice and why smoking can be a small act of resistance.' Louisa Lim, Beijing correspondent, NPR '...enriches one's understanding of the Hermit Kingdom. The book provides a well-informed analysis for scholars of all ages and particularly for researchers on North Korea.' Political Studies Review
