This image is the cover for the book Korean War

Korean War

An authoritative account by the historian and Korean War vet offers “a comprehensive picture of the war . . . and riveting tales of heroics . . . Gripping” (The Washington Post Book World).

Winner of the Westminster Medal for Military Literature

On June 25, 1950, the North Korean People’s Army shocked American troops by crossing the 38th parallel into South Korea. After five years of relative quiet following the close of World War II, the US Army was unprepared to face a battle-ready enemy. After an initial defeat, General MacArthur turned the tides along with significant contributions from UN allies. Joining the Americans were troops from Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Turkey, and elsewhere, working together despite problems of culture and logistics.

In The Korean War, Michael Hickey frames the conflict in the larger context of international power politics. A veteran of the war himself, he recounts such masterstrokes as MacArthur’s landing behind the enemy lines at Inchon, the drama of the glorious Glosters episode, and both collaboration and mutiny in the prisoner-of-war camps of either side.

Drawing on many previously unexamined sources from several countries, including recently declassified documents, regimental archives, diaries, and interviews, Hickey adds extensively to our knowledge of one of the most significant conflicts of modern times.

“[A] fine, opinionated contribution to Korean War literature . . . Not to be missed.” —Publishers Weekly

Michael Hickey

Col. Michael Hickey himself fought in Korea. He is a graduate of the Staff College, Camberley, the Joint Services Staff College, and the Royal Military College of Science, was a Defense Fellow of King's College, London, and was later Director of the Museum of Army Flying. He is the author of the critically acclaimed The Unforgettable Army, on Field Marshall Slim and his 14th Army in Burma, and of Gallipoli.

The Overlook Press