The Korean War

A narrative history of the Korean War by bestselling author Sir Max Hastings

The Korean War: The Compelling Account of the Forgotten Conflict

'The best narrative history of the Korean conflict' – Guardian

On 25 June 1950, the Communist North launched a bloody invasion of South Korea, marking the beginning of one of the most brutal conflicts of the 20th century. The Korean War by journalist and military historian Sir Max Hastings is a vivid and incisive reassessment of this forgotten war, bringing the military and human dimensions into sharp focus.

Drawing on first-hand accounts from those who fought on both sides, Hastings explores the stark prelude to Vietnam, as the seemingly limitless power of the Chinese-backed North clashed with the ferocious firepower of the UN-backed South.

Critically acclaimed and now republished with an introduction from the author, The Korean War remains the definitive narrative history of this conflict, offering a compelling account of warfare, communism, and the impact on 20th-century Asia.

'A brilliant tour-de-force' – Times Literary Supplement

'Excellent, readable history by a master of the genre' – Daily Mail

'This book establishes him as one of the leading British military historians.' – New York Times