The English Governess At The Siamese Court (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781162693613)

""The English Governess At The Siamese Court"" is a memoir written by Anna Leonowens, who served as a governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam (now Thailand) in the 1860s. The book provides a detailed account of Leonowens' experiences in the royal court, including her interactions with the king, his wives, and his children. Leonowens also describes the customs and traditions of the Siamese people, as well as her efforts to introduce Western education and values to the royal family. The book has been praised for its vivid descriptions of Siamese culture and society, as well as its insights into the challenges faced by women in the 19th century. However, it has also been criticized for its portrayal of the Siamese people as exotic and backward, and for perpetuating stereotypes about Asian cultures. Overall, ""The English Governess At The Siamese Court"" remains a valuable historical document and a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.Such was Chow Phya Sri Sury Wongse when I was first presented to him: a natural king among the dusky forms that surrounded him, the actual ruler of that semi- barbarous realm, and the prime contriver of its arbitrary policy. Black, but comely, robust, and vigorous, neck short and thick, nose large and nostrils wide, eyes inquisitive and penetrating, his was the massive brain proper to an intellect deliberate and systematic. Well found in the best idioms of his native tongue, he expressed strong, discriminative thoughts in words at once accurate and abundant. His only vanity was his English, with which he so interlarded his native speech, as often to impart the effect of levity to ideas that, in themselves, were grave, judicious, and impressive.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Author: Anna Leonowens
ISBN-10: 1162693614
ISBN-13: 9781162693613
Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
Language: English
Published: 09/10/2010
Pages: 232
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.89lbs
Size: 9.25h x 7.50w x 0.49d