The English Governess at the Siamese Court / Being Recollections of Six Years in the Royal Palace at Bangkok

Name: The English Governess at the Siamese Court / Being Recollections of Six Years in the Royal Palace at Bangkok
Author: Anna Harriette Leonowens

By Anna Harriette Leonowens

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About This Book

The memoir recounts six years spent at a royal palace in Siam, chronicling everyday court life and the education provided to the monarch's children. It sketches the sovereign's character and governance, offers portraits of palace households and harem routines, and describes temples, Buddhist worship, funeral rites, and public ceremonies including coronation. The narrative also surveys city scenes, literature, art, and social customs, and concludes with an account of a journey to the recently discovered Cambodian ruins and reflections on cultural encounters.

About the Author

Anna Harriette Leonowens

Anna Harriette Leonowens was an English author and educator, best known for her memoirs detailing her experiences in the royal courts of Siam (modern-day Thailand). Her most notable work, "The English Governess at the Siamese Court," recounts her six years as a governess to the children of King Mongkut, providing a unique perspective on Siamese culture and society during the 19th century. Leonowens also wrote about her travels in India in "Life and Travel in India," reflecting her broader experiences in Asia. Through her writings, she contributed to the understanding of Eastern cultures in the Western world, leaving a lasting impact on literature and cultural exchange.