"Don Oberdorfer has written a gripping narrative history of Korea's travails and triumphs over the past three decades. The Two Koreas places the tensions between North and South within a historical context, with a special emphasis on the involvement of outside powers"--Publisher description.

Where the wild birds sing -- The end of the beginning -- The trouble deepens -- The Carter chill -- Assassination and aftermath -- Terror and talk -- The battle for democracy in Seoul -- The great Olympic coming-out party -- Moscow switches sides -- China shifts its ground -- Joining the nuclear issue -- Withdrawal and engagement -- Showdown over nuclear weapons -- Death and accord -- North Korea in crisis -- Turn toward engagement.