Book excerpt: The first book in the English language devoted to the study of Korean shaman songs, this book is essential reading for those with an interest in Korean shamanism, the literature and cultural history of Korea, and shamanism and oral literature in general. Shamanism, commonly regarded as the oldest religion in Korea, is still a force in the modern industrial society of today. Korean shamans, performing their rituals, sing and dance for the gods they worship as they have done for centuries.