Book excerpt: Originating from a series of papers written by Professor Noh Taedon over two decades of research, Korea's Ancient Koguryo Kingdom: A Socio-Political History concentrates on the political and social aspects of what was the largest of the Proto-Korean nation-states (37 BCE to 688 CE) that finally succumbed to subversion and invasion thirteen centuries ago. Its legendary origins are dealt with from the standpoint of their long-term political implications, as are its social institutional such as levirate marriage. Explored in detail are the convoluted diplomatic, military, and commercial relations with various Chinese dynaties as well as Japan, and the shifting powers in Manchuria, Mongolia, and Central Asia. In addition, perhaps for the first time anywhere, the Koguryo national and provincial administrative structures are described as he evolved over the seven centuries of the nation's existence. Exhaustive documentation is provided throughout. As a landmark study of the Koguryo kingdom, this work will be of considerable value to students of Northeast Asian history in general and of Korean history in particular.