Recommended Book by Korea Publication Culture Industry Promotion Agency for Lunar New Year Holiday ⑤ ‘About Believing Humans: Second Latin Class’

The Book Sharing Committee of the Korea Publication Culture Industry Promotion Agency (Director Kim Junhee) announced seven titles, including “Golmok-ui Yaktalja-deul” (Smart Books), as “Recommended Books.”

The Book Sharing Committee is composed of experts from various fields and introduces books in seven categories?literature, humanities and arts, social sciences, natural sciences, practical/general, picture books and fairy tales, and youth?each month along with recommendation notes to expand publishing demand and promote reading culture.

The “Recommended Books for February” include seven titles: “Golmok-ui Yaktalja-deul” (Smart Books), “Yei Eomneun Chingudeul-eul Daehaneun Seulgiroun Malhagi Sajeon” (Sakyejul), “Cheongsonyeon-eul Wihan Jonggyo Gongbu” (Gino), “Banggeum Tteonaon Segye” (Hankyoreh Publishing), “Mideun Ingan-e Daehayeo” (Heureum Publishing), “Gamokiran Mueos-inga” (Jisik-ui Nalgae), and “Quantum-ui Segye” (Haenamu).

Mideun Ingan-e Daehayeo: Latin-eo Sueop Du Beonjjae Sigan | Written by Han Dongil | Heureum Publishing | 256 pages | 15,000 KRW

This work by Han Dongil is the concluding volume of his “Class Series,” which includes Latin-eo Sueop and Roma-beop Sueop. The author, who has the unique background of being both a Catholic priest and a legal scholar, introduces various aspects of Rome and Western medieval times through Latin, while sharing his spiritual struggles as a religious person. The book consists of 19 short chapters, each headed by a Latin phrase that encapsulates the theme of the chapter.

As the title suggests, most of the content is essays related to the Christian aspects connected to the author’s struggles as a believer. It also contains interesting facets of Western history, such as introductions to ancient Roman and medieval medicine and stories about meal scenes in medieval monasteries. The author particularly reflects repeatedly on the significance of religion in modern society by focusing on the conflict between Palestine and Israel witnessed during his travels, as well as the long-standing religious conflicts between Islam and Christianity. The Latin phrase in the final chapter, “Homo viator est in terra” (“Man is but a pilgrim on earth”), well expresses the conclusion of the author’s reflections.

Just as Chinese characters form the foundation of East Asian civilization including China, Latin has been the foundation of Western civilization for thousands of years. This book interestingly reveals various aspects of ancient Rome, Western medieval times, and Christian religion embedded in Latin, making it a valuable read for general readers. Therefore, it is recommended as the book of the month for February.

- Jin Taewon, Research Professor at Sungkonghoe University

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.