Retrieving Bones: Stories and Poems of the Korean War

by Philip K. Jason, W.D. Ehrhart, W. D. Ehrhart

Book Overview

The Korean War was a major event in American history. It marked an abrupt end to the euphoria Americans felt in the wake of victory in World War II and turned out to be the harbinger of disaster in Vietnam a decade later.

Though three years of brutal fighting resulted in millions of casualties, the final truce line of 1953 corresponded almost exactly to the positions the opponents held when the fighting began. Back home, the returning...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813526396
• ISBN13: 9780813526393
• Release Date: June 1999
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A Great Literary Approach to the Korean War

This is an exceptional book. For anyone with any interest in creative literature arising from warfare, whether narrative or poetic, this is a book to have. I have read hundreds of books of military history, stories, and poetry. This, by far, is the best I've seen. I am very familiar with Ehrhart's work -- and he's creative, thoughtful, and a consumate literary pro. All of this shows through here. Of the 204 pages of text, 157 pages consist of twelve stories by different authors. The rest of the book includes 39 poems by six poets. The stories and poems are all of very different styles and complement each other beautifully. One story in particular, "The Trapped Battalion," by William Chamberlain, will blow you away (pardon the pun)! There are two additional excellent and unusual aspects to this volume. First, the two editors give you a brief personal introduction to each author and poet, highlighting their connections with the Korean War and mentioning their personal and literary history as well as prominent themes in their works. Second, at the end of the book they have a detailed annotated list of recommended books, films, and poetry of the Korean War. This is one book I know I will read many times as the years go by.