Anna and the King of Siam: The Bestselling Biography That Inspired The King and I - A Victorian True Story

ISBN: 0060954884

Author: Margaret Landon

Condition: Used

The bestselling book that inspiredthe musical play and film The King and I"Enchanting.. . . The author wears her scholarship with grace, and the amazing story shehas to tell is recounted with humor and understanding. And what a story it is!" -Atlantic MonthlyAnna Leonowens, a properEnglishwoman, was an unlikely candidate to change the course of Siamese (Thai)history. A young widow and mother, her services were engaged in the 1860's byKing Mongkut of Siam to help him communicate with foreign governments and bethe tutor to his children and favored concubines.Stepping off the steamer fromLondon, Anna found herself in an exotic land she could have only dreamed of: alush landscape of mystic faiths and curious people, and a king's palacebustling with royal pageantry, ancient custom, and harems. One of her pupils,the young prince Chulalongkorn, was particularly influenced by Leonowens andher Western ideals. He learned about Abraham Lincoln and the tenets ofdemocracy from her, and years later he would become Siam's most progressiveking. He guided the country's transformation from a feudal state to a modernsociety, abolishing slavery and making many other radical reforms.Weavingmeticulously researched facts with richly imagined scenes, Margret Landonrecreates an unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land. Originallypublished in 1944, and translated into dozens of languages, Annaand the King of Siam continues to delight and enchant readersaround the world.