Made in North Korea: Graphics from Everyday Life in the DPRK Hardcover – October 2, 2017

This book by Nick Bonner is extremely interesting and informative, especially since the author has spent a lot of time in North Korea and also in Beijing. He is from the UK, but chose to live in China where he opened a bar and club that became successful. Bonner wanted to start a travel agency in North Korea, but considering that there are only about 100 visitors to the DPRK a year, that didn't pan out. As Bonner traveled to different sites in the so-called Hermit Kingdom, he would pick up different objects of ephemera, such as candy wrappers, comic book pages, advertising and saved them. The outcome was this fascinating book.One thing the North Koreans are very good at is graphic design. Their clever use of ideas and slogans put together with bright colors makes for noticeable signs, price labels and propaganda. Especially interesting are the pages from some of their comic books which the author has summarized in English. The subject matter of these deals with spies and some characters appear to be Western. They remind me of stills from 1940s movies. Others are about the Mafia.The author provides several pages of text in the Introduction and before each chapter. Throughout, at the ends of chapters are examples of wrapping paper that is printed with images of things such as hotels and stadiums. One ad for a box of candy reminds the author that in 2006, Defense Minister Kim Il Choi said in a speech, "Comrades, we can live without candies, but we can't live without bullets."The 233-page book with index is something that can be looked at over and over again and still give the reader more knowledge of North Korea, a fascinating history, culture and people to read about.

Great range of art from product labels as well as some of the more propagandistic posters and comics. Gives you a fuller understanding of NK's particular brand of communist art and how it was applied in different industries and mediums. I am happy that the author includes 1-page mini essays about their experience in North Korea.If I was going to criticize anything, it would be that it is flexibound instead of a more rigid hardcover, but what can you do. Still a great resource.

For the person who was "there", as I was, it is a great reminder of the products seen, and not seen!

Unique and aesthetically alluring coffee table book; content is ok, tons of photos, some interesting and some... not so much.

This was a gift for our granddaughter, who is studying graphic arts. She was interested in the way N. Korea advertised to a captive audience. She was delighted with the book.

Great book.

Love this book. Very inspiring graphical reference

Inspiring look into the graphics of the mysterious DPRK.

Una edición súper bonita. Llegó en perfecto estado.

Un mondo nuovo

I was excited to order this book and delighted that it arrived so promptly. Considering that it's labeled as a "new" book, I expected it to be wrapped with plastic. However, it came with damaged cover and dented corners. I'm very disappointed by this as I paid the full price considering it's a "new" book.

Das Buch gibt einen Eindruck davon, wie Alltagsgegenstände in Nordkorea aussehen. Es ist eine große Fotosammlung von Kuriositäten und Banalitäten der DPRK. Für die meisten Leute sicherlich wenig aufregend. Wer allerdings am Alltag vom Leben in kommunistischen, abgeschotteten Regimen interessiert ist, wie es sie früher viel mehr gab, für den ist die Sammlung sicherlich interessant und aufschlussreich. Es zeigt z.T. die Eintönigkeit, repetitive Motive und Tristesse im Land. Auf der anderen Seite klärt es um das Nutzen und z.T. die Hintergründe gängiger koreanischer Motive aus Kultur, Geschichte, Sagen und Propaganda auf. Allein dafür kann ich das Buch nur empfehlen. Die Bildunterschriften und begleitenden Texte, welche aus dem reichhaltigen Erfahrungsschatz des Verfassers stammen, erklären den ein oder anderen Hintergrund sehr gut. Papier, Einband etc. sind absolut passend aufgemacht.Fazit: Wer am Alltag in der DPRK interessiert ist, der wird viele interessante Eindrücke gewinnen. Sehr gut aufgemachte Fotosammlung von Kuriositäten und Banalitäten!

et à la description. Très beau livre avec du contenu de qualité (archives photos et histoires). Je recommande pour tous les intéressés du pays et du graphisme.