The Kingdom and People of Siam
With a Narrative of the Mission to that Country in 1855

An 1857 two-volume study of Siam, providing valuable insight into the diplomatic workings of its court in the mid-nineteenth century.

John Bowring (Author)

9781108056069, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 28 March 2013

468 pages, 5 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2.6 cm, 0.59 kg

Published in two volumes in 1857, this was the most successful work of the linguist and politician Sir John Bowring (1792–1872). His varied career included work as an editor and translator, service as an MP in Britain and as a consul in China, and the controversial governorship of Hong Kong. His appointment to this last post in 1854 saw him aggressively assert British interests with little regard for Asian sensibilities. The following year he travelled to Siam (Thailand) to negotiate a treaty with that country which became a model for future agreements, giving the Siamese government an insight into Western diplomacy which would be invaluable. Volume 2 covers the political make-up of the nation, containing chapters on its dependencies and diplomatic relations, including an account of the work done by Bowring and his party. Also featured are personal accounts from long-term foreign residents of Siam and writings by its king, Mongkut (1804–68).

14. Dependencies upon Siam
15. Diplomatic and commercial relations of western nations with Siam
16. Personal journal of Sir John Bowring's visit to Siam
Appendices A-G.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]