The Kyunghyang Shinmun newspaper said on Nov. 16 that Cambridge University Press will publish its Cambridge History of Korea in 2020.

Korea scholars from around the world are collaborating on the new Cambridge History of Korea, including Professor Donald Baker (top) from the University of British Columbia and Professor Bruce Cumings (bottom) from the University of Chicago.

The U.K.'s Cambridge University Press will publish the Cambridge History of Korea, covering Korean history from ancient times through to today, and that the target date for publication is 2020.The compendium involves many well-known Korean studies scholars, including Professor Donald Baker in the Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia, Professor Bruce Cumings in the Department of History at the University of Chicago, and Professor Eugene Y. Park at the Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.The Kyunghyang Shinmun newspaper said on Nov. 16 that the Cambridge History of Korea will be composed of four parts: ancient times, the history of Goryeo, the history of Joseon, and modern times.The editor of the ancient history section will be Professor Mark Byington from Harvard University.The Goryeo section will be edited by Professor Sem Vermeersch from Seoul National University and Professor Remco Breuker from Leiden University.The Joseon section will be edited by Professor George Kallander from Syracuse University, Professor Eugene Y. Park from the University of Pennsylvania and Professor Michael Pettid from Binghamton University.The chief editor for the overall publication of the book will be Professor Donald Baker from the University of British Columbia. Professor Baker is also known for his book “Korean Spirituality” put out by University of Hawai'i Press.The Kyunghyang Shinmun reported that these scholars said by email that, “The publication plan for the Goryeo and Joseon sections have been made and received positive reviews from all seven panel-members from outside the university."The Cambridge History of Korea was originally initiated in the 1990s by Professor James Palais at the University of Washington, a member of the first modern generation of Korea scholars. Professor Palais experienced difficulties bringing together scholars who could write authoritatively about Korean history in English, and he passed away in 2006 which also slowed the project.Starting this year, Professor Baker, a student of Professor Palais, decided to restart the project.The Kyunghyang Shinmun reported that the scholars said, “While reflecting upon the outcomes of the latest research, we will write our chapters from various perspectives, not only about Korea’s national politics and diplomatic relationships, but also focusing on social class, gender, literature, the royal court, living conditions, religion, philosophy and economic history. Not only researchers and students, but ordinary people, too, will be able to approach Korean history from various angles.”Finally, it was reported that the scholars said that they have been “working hard to write the Cambridge History of Korea in a balanced manner, applying strict methodology and using firm evidence, both widely used by historians.”By Yoon SojungKorea.net Staff WriterPhotos: Yonhap Newsarete@korea.kr