Korea and Her Neighbors by Isabella L. Bird is a fascinating account of the author's travels through Korea and other neighboring countries in the late 19th century. Bird's vivid descriptions of the landscapes, people, and customs of each region bring the reader into the heart of Asia during a time of great change and upheaval.

What sets this book apart is Bird's immersive writing style, which effortlessly transports the reader to the exotic locations she visits. Her keen observations and insights into the culture and society of each country provide valuable historical context and offer a glimpse into a world that is vastly different from our own.

While the book was written over a century ago, Bird's storytelling remains engaging and relevant today. Her deep curiosity and respect for the people she encounters shines through on every page, making this a truly special and enlightening read for anyone interested in Asian history and culture.

Overall, Korea and Her Neighbors is a captivating travelogue that offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in Asia's past. Isabella L. Bird's adventurous spirit and keen eye for detail make this book a must-read for anyone curious about the diverse cultures of the region.

Book Description:
In this book, Isabella L. Bird, who had been elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society only 2 years prior, describes her travels through Korea from 1894 - 1897 in her well-known style. She went on lengthy trips through the interior of what is today both North- and South Korea and vividly describes the landscapes, people and customs of the "Hermit Kingdom".

Isabella's sojourn coincided with a time of great turmoil in Korea. Shortly after her arrival, the Japanese occupied the country, ostensibly to protect their expatriate community. But when relations worsend further, Isabella was forced to flee, first to Manchuria, and, after the outbreak of the first Sino-Japanese War , to Russia. She returned to Korea only days after the assassination of Queen Min in October 1895, and saw King Gojong reduced to a mere "salaried automaton" until he fled to the Russian Legation in 1896. Isabella, having had several audiences with the monarchs throughout her stay in Seoul, gives a first hand account of the political and governmental changes throughout this time.

Altogether, this is a fascinating account of Korea at a time when the country was not only torn between tradition and modernisation, but also found herself a pawn of Japan, China, and Russia, all vying for control in the Far East.