A growing number of Koreans learn English, consume fast food and watch Hollywood movies regularly as in other places of the world, but the idea of what America really is still evokes, if anything, fuzziness.

In "Rome, the Stolen Gem of America," author Choi Yong-sik attempts to draw up a clearer picture of America by identifying its cultural and historical link with ancient Rome.

Choi shows how the present-day U.S. evolved from the Roman Republic since the Declaration of Independence in the 18th century, featuring Christopher Columbus, not as a hero but as a byproduct of historical developments, and the Civil War and the practice of slavery that he argues stem from the spirit of chivalry.

The author points out that individualism in the U.S. is a result of pursuing and practicing key features of the Roman Republic.

In the book, Choi throws in engaging chapter names such as “Who is the originator of English: the Americans or the British?” He says that American English has remained largely the same since the 17th century in key features, and British English has changed more dramatically during the period.

The book also comes with plenty of images and photos, helping readers to understand hidden facts that connect the present America and ancient Rome.

By Jin Eun-soo, Intern reporter
(janna924@heraldcorp.com)