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Anna and the King of Siam Paperback – November 3, 1999

by Margaret Landon (Author), Margaret Ayer (Illustrator)

4.4 622 ratings

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The bestselling book that inspired the musical play and film The King and I

"Enchanting. . . . The author wears her scholarship with grace, and the amazing story she has to tell is recounted with humor and understanding. And what a story it is!" —Atlantic Monthly

Anna Leonowens, a proper Englishwoman, 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 by King Mongkut of Siam to help him communicate with foreign governments and be the tutor to his children and favored concubines.

Stepping off the steamer from London, Anna found herself in an exotic land she could have only dreamed of: a lush landscape of mystic faiths and curious people, and a king's palace bustling with royal pageantry, ancient custom, and harems. One of her pupils, the young prince Chulalongkorn, was particularly influenced by Leonowens and her Western ideals. He learned about Abraham Lincoln and the tenets of democracy from her, and years later he would become Siam's most progressive king. He guided the country's transformation from a feudal state to a modern society, abolishing slavery and making many other radical reforms.

Weaving meticulously researched facts with richly imagined scenes, Margret Landon recreates an unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten exotic land. Originally published in 1944, and translated into dozens of languages, Anna and the King of Siam continues to delight and enchant readers around the world.

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Print length

395 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Harper Perennial
Publication date

November 3, 1999
Dimensions

5.31 x 0.94 x 8 inches
ISBN-10

0060954884
ISBN-13

978-0060954888
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"An enchanting book. The author wears her scholarship with grace, and the amazing story she has to tell is recounted with humor and understanding. And what a story it is!" — Atlantic Monthly

"An invitig escape into an unfamiliar, exotic past. Ms. Landon's is one calculated to transport us instantly." — New York Times

From the Back Cover

Anna Leonowens, a proper Englishwoman, was an unlikley candidate to change the course of Siamese (Thai) history. A young widow and mother, her services were engaged in the 1860's by King Mongkut of Siam to help him communicate with foreign governments and be the tutor to his children and favored concubines. Stepping off the steamer from London, Anna found herself in an exotic land she could have only dreamed of lush landscape of mystic faiths and curious people, and king's palace bustling with royal pageantry, ancient custom, and harems. One of her pupils, the young prince Chulalongkorn, was particularly influenced by Leonowens and her Western ideals. He learned about Abraham Lincoln and the tenets of democracy from her, and years later he would become Siam's most progressive king. He guided the country's transformation from a feudal state to a modern society, abolshing slavery and making many other radical reforms.

Weaving meticulously researched facts with beautifully imagined scenes, Margret Landon recreates an unforgettable portrait of life in a forgotten extotic land. Written more than fifty years ago, and translated into dozens of languages, Anna and the King of Siam (the inspiration for the magical play and film The King and I)continues to delight and enchant readers around the world.

About the Author

Margaret Landon first became interested in Anna Leonowens' story, when a friend recommended to her The English Governess at the Siamese Court which was published in 1870. Fascinated with the story and its potential, she contacted one of Anna's grandchildren, and in 1941 began to seriously research writing an updated (and vastly more entertaining) version of the book. Anna and the King is the product of her efforts.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Chapter 1

Bangkok, 1862

The Siamese steamer Chow Phya, most modern of the ships plying between Singapore and Bangkok, came to anchor outside the bar at the mouth of the River Chow Phya. A troupe of circus performers were hanging over the rails trying to catch the first glimpse of the country whose king had invited them to entertain his extensive family. Their trained dogs were barking and snarling at the two dogs belonging to the captain of the ship, George Orton, but Jip and Trumpet were disdainful and superior.

Somewhat apart from the rough and laughing group an Englishwoman was leaning against the rail. Her dress of lavender mull had a neat high collar and modest wrist-length sleeves. She was slender and graceful as she stood there with a light breeze ruffling her full skirts. Chestnut curls framed a face that was pretty except for the rather prominent nose. Her dark eyes were turned toward the line on the horizon that was land. She stood almost motionless, fingering a curious brooch on her breast, a gold brooch into which were set two tiger claws. Beside her a Newfoundland dog stood as quiet as she.

The circus dogs came close, sniffed and barked, but the Newfoundland did not return their greeting. She was aloof, reposeful, dignified, not to be cajoled into confidences with strange dogs. She kept her eyes fixed on her mistress' face as it looked across the water to the distant shore.

The sun rose higher. Golden rays danced and sparkled on the slow blue swells of the gulf. The laughter and shouting on deck continued. The dogs raced about. But the woman was as remote from the confusion as if she were separated from it by an invisible wall.

A carefully dressed boy of about six came up from below deck, followed by a Hindustani nurse in a richly patterned sari. He had the same look of good bones, the same delicate air of breeding that distinguished the woman at the rail. His brown hair was curly and his brown eyes danced.

"Mama, Mama," he cried, dashing up to the still figure. "Are we there? Are we there?"

She turned to him with a smile. "Yes, Louis. We are there. In a little while we'll be in Bangkok. Shall we not, Captain Orton?" she inquired of the bronzed young man in an immaculate uniform who had stepped up behind her son.

"We'll go over the bar with the tide," the officer answered, "and you'll sleep on shore tonight."

Louis ran shouting with the news to the circus performers, and the Newfoundland gravely padded after him. "Stay with him, Beebe," the woman directed in Malay.

"Beebe and Bessy take good care of you and Louis, don't they?" asked the captain.

"Yes, they're very faithful." She smiled faintly, her eyes on the hurrying back of the ayah. "Beebe and Moonshee have been with me since before I was married, you know. And good old Bessy is a member of the family, too. She'd guard us with her life."

Captain Orton stood silent a moment. A puff of fresh wind blew the woman's curls back. "Mrs. Leonowens, that ought to be a man's job," he said in a low voice to the pink ear that hardly reached his shoulder. "A maid, a dog, and an old Persian professor aren't enough. I don't like your going in there. For some women, yes. For you, no. People go in there and never come out again." Dark color moved under the clear tan. "Forgive me for saying so much, but you can't even imagine what it will be like."

"You forget that I've lived in the Orient ever since I was fifteen."

"Yes, in British colonies with British soldiers to protect you. This is Siam!"

The woman bit her lip, but did not turn her eyes toward him. "I can't go back now. I've given my word."

"You will not go back now?"

"I cannot!"

He paused, hesitating, then forged ahead. "There's always Mr. Cobb. He's a gentleman and rich!"

She flushed deeply. When she did not speak, he went on in a savage voice, but low. "There is also myself, as you know. Perhaps not a gentleman, and certainly not rich!"

She turned to him then, the deep brown eyes full of tears. "Dear Captain Orton, don't belabor yourself so! To me you are a gentleman, a kind gentleman who has made this difficult trip endurable. But--please try to understand, that for me there has only ever been one man--Leon--and now that he's--gone--there will never be anyone else." She looked out across the water, but her eyes were unseeing. A tear ran down her cheek and she dried it hurriedly with a handkerchief. The man leaned on the rail beside her.

"Mrs. Leonowens, you're too young to bury your heart in a grave." There was a note of pleading in his voice. "Believe me, I would not ask much. Just to take care of you, and Avis, and Louis."

She answered slowly, "But I can't give even that little. I don't know why, but I haven't it left to give." She lifted her face toward his and for a long moment he looked deeply into her eyes, then turned away scowling. Halfway down the deck he wheeled and came back. "I'll be in port every month. If ever you need me, the Chow Phya and I are at your service." And he was gone without waiting for a reply.

The sun was hot now. Sighing, but a little reassured, the slight, graceful woman went below.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Perennial; First Edition (November 3, 1999)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 395 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0060954884
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0060954888
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.7 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.94 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #170,000 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #75 in Educator Biographies
- #1,153 in TV, Movie & Game Tie-In Fiction
- #2,034 in Women's Biographies

Customer Reviews:
4.4 622 ratings

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4.4 out of 5

622 global ratings

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Kindle Customer

Very good book

Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2018

Verified Purchase

For a small bit of history of Siam, this is a good book. I don't know much about the facts, having read the preface, but for all the other information that may be true, it is truly a wonderful book.

Anna loved her husband dearly and never remarried, but I believe just a tiny bit of the movie that she and the King developed a closer bond of friendship than most friends of today. The love and devotion she had with her pupils was quite obvious, as well as the animosity between herself and the horrid translator.

The many relationships with the women of the harem were complex, at the same time, simple. Lady Thiang was a rare soul, able to love so devoutly, yet recognise the human, or perhaps not so quite human at times, the failings of her husband. To remain devoted to someone like that, with his many violent outbursts of anger and not fear him totally, is very uncommon.

Anna's influence on Prince Chulalongkorn just have made her proud of her decision to stay when times were the most difficult. I also believe she must have felt some relief, that her many years there has made such an impression on the young boy.

All in all, this is one book I'm glad I bought. I read it when I was much younger, cried in spots, got angry in others, and signed with relief when situations resolved successfully. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes history, a few love stories, much conflict, and exciting, tense moments. Anna and the King of Siam will remain a favourite of mine. I'm truly glad it's on my Fire, so I can re-read it whenever I feel the need to travel without leaving my own home.

23 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

Interesting

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2023

Verified Purchase

It's an interesting read. Definitely understand why the King of Thailand has banned this book and everything connected to it.

2 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

The Rest of the Story

Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2018

Verified Purchase

I had always hoped to one day read the book upon which the Musical, "The King & I" was originally based. I am delighted to share that my wish has been granted and I have completed this lengthy, detailed missive, based on the journals of Anna Leonowens herself. Since many of.the characters of the musical came from this book, you will enjoy knowing that much of the story will be familiar to you. Alas, the king is no Yul Brynner in the real story, but a vain and brutally demanding regent. But Anna is true, in every respect, and her influence on the young Prince Chulalonghorn leads to great changes in Siamese cultural practice. Do find the time to read this book. You will learn much history of the area in the process, and be very satisfied by the story's end. A+ Bravo!

16 people found this helpful

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Pretzel

An incredible journey!

Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2020

Verified Purchase

My mother read this book years go and loved it. When it popped up for me, I figured I would read it. I enjoyed it tremendously! It was such a unique and intriguing experience reading this story. Anne was an amazing woman...educated, inspiring, adventurous, fearless, and loving. The lifestyle in Siam in the king’s palace was fascinating to read about. All around a wonderful book!

One person found this helpful

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N. Moore

The original King and I, but suffers by comparison to the film.

Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2016

Verified Purchase

The tragedy of this book is that it was turned into a classic film. On its own merits, the book is interesting, informative and entertaining. But we have seen the film so often, with its dramatization of the main points, the music and the characters, that the book falls a bit flat by comparison. It's a pity, as the books shades in the characters far more fully, and is far more realistic than the dramatisation. It must have been a sensation at the time of publishing, but from this vantage-point it was a bit of a yawn.

10 people found this helpful

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anna and the king of siam

Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2023

Verified Purchase

Was glad to see that this has been reissued in a very nice format. All I had was an ancient beat up paperback.

One person found this helpful

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barbara A.

Enjoyable

Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2019

Verified Purchase

A really fascinating story. A woman who travels thousands of miles to a third world country with a youth son to teach in the harem of a tyrant. It sounds made up. And then a musical is made. I’m not sure if the author should be flattered or feel trivialized. It is with reading and left me wondering about the rest of Siam’s history from then to the modern day. I spent a lot of time googling.

One person found this helpful

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Lynda R.

EXCELLENT

Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2019

Verified Purchase

Wonderful true story of Anna Leonowens, the British widow who became the teacher of the Princes and Princesses of the Kingdom of Siam. Actual excerpts from letters written by Anna are included. Her teaching of the concepts of freedom and democracy were accredited by Prince Chulalongkorn after he succeeded to the throne for the transformation of Siam into the Free country (Thai) that it became. The abolishment of Slavery began with his accession to the Throne in 1872 and was completed in 1905. Excellent book.

7 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Helen Musson

Brilliant!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2024

Verified Purchase

Brilliant!

N. Kilpatrick

Wonderful novelization of an unusual woman.

Reviewed in Canada on December 4, 2019

Verified Purchase

Excellent novel! I'm so impressed by Anna Leonowens, a widow with 2 children, and spent 5 years in Siam—present-day Thailand— in the mid-1800s teaching royal children and standing up to a king who held to the old ways. This woman believed in human dignity, equality, and honesty and went out of her way to help countless people, succeeding and failing. Her story in this novel left me frequently cringing in terror for that brave woman, wondering how she managed to keep her spirits up in a land riddled with slavery, prisoners relegated to filthy prison on a whim, subservience in general towards rulers and the elite, and a view of women of all stations that left them only the choice of quiet obedience in fear of their life and the lives of their children. What a story! But I also am also in awe because I so appreciate how much work Margaret Landon obviously did over 4 years 8 or so decades after Anna's story in writing this novel, using Leonowens' books, letters, meeting the descendants of people who knew Anna or were related to her or some of the people in her story, researching the history of the country, finding letters of King Mongkut... This is, of course, the book on which the film The King And I is based, not nearly as ferocious a story as the novel. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in a strong and brave woman who plunged into an alien culture, alone, with her son, and took on a task that went above and beyond her 'job'. A refreshing look at how the wings of a butterfly can, indeed, make a change somewhere else on the planet.

One person found this helpful

darkangel

Love books

Reviewed in Australia on July 24, 2023

Verified Purchase

I got this book for my daughter she absolutely loves books so no drama with this at all .

lyn K

Good descriptions of Siam

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 8, 2020

Verified Purchase

Enjoyed this story and felt it gave the flavour of Siam in Victorian times.
Although the political intrigues and plots were given in detail, I would have liked more about the personal Anna.
Her strong morality is evident in abundance, but do we get the real Anna?

One person found this helpful

Joanne S.

So interesting...A Great Read!

Reviewed in Canada on December 10, 2018

Verified Purchase

After seeing the live theatre production of "The King and I", I wanted more information regarding the real story that the movie and theatre production was based on. I got the book "Anna and the King of Siam", which was great, and then I got this book, which added further information. I really enjoyed the book...reading about a woman who was truly ahead of her time...and a culture that long disappeared. A great read!

One person found this helpful

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