Publisher's Synopsis
Mrs. Leonowens is a historical fiction novel written by John Macnaughton and published in 1915. The book is based on the true story of Anna Leonowens, a British governess who was hired by the King of Siam (now Thailand) in the 1860s to teach his children English and Western customs. The novel follows Mrs. Leonowens as she navigates the complex cultural differences between the Siamese court and her own British upbringing. She faces challenges such as the King's polygamous lifestyle, the strict social hierarchy of the court, and the resistance of some Siamese officials to her teaching methods. As Mrs. Leonowens becomes more involved in the court, she also becomes embroiled in political intrigue and must navigate dangerous situations in order to protect herself and her students. Along the way, she forms close relationships with several members of the court, including the King himself. The novel is a vivid portrayal of life in 19th century Siam and explores themes of cultural identity, power dynamics, and the clash of East and West. It is a timeless story that has been adapted into various forms, including the popular musical The King and I.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.
