Travels in the Central Parts of Indo-China (Siam), Cambodia, and Laos
During the Years 1858, 1859, and 1860

A vivid and enthusiastic account of South-East Asia's remote landscapes, wildlife and antiquities, published in 1864 after the author's death.

Henri Mouhot (Author), Charles Mouhot (Edited and translated by)

9781108084086, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 April 2016

330 pages, 60 b/w illus.
21.5 x 14 x 2 cm, 0.35 kg

As a young man, French naturalist Henri Mouhot (1826–61) taught languages in Russia and travelled widely in Europe with his brother Charles, sketching people and landscapes, and taking photographs. The brothers both married descendants of the explorer Mungo Park (whose journals are also reissued). Not long afterwards, possibly inspired by Bowring's 1857 book on Siam (also reissued), Henri decided to explore South-East Asia. He travelled independently for three years in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, where he eventually died of a fever. This engaging two-volume account of his experiences was compiled by his brother from his papers, and published in 1864 with many illustrations based on Mouhot's sketches. Volume 1 focuses mainly on Thailand and Cambodia, where Mouhot met several kings, travelled by elephant through difficult terrain, and visited the ruins of Ayuthia and Angkor. Mouhot's enthusiasm for the region's wildlife, landscapes and people rarely wavers, despite the challenging conditions.

Dedication
Preface
Memoir of M. Henri Mouhot
1. The voyage
2. Geography and history of the kingdom of Siam
3. Voyage up the Menam to Ayuthia the ancient capital
4. Chantaboun
5. Life in the hill-country
6. Return to Chantaboun
7. Details respecting Cambodia
8. Departure from Udong
9. The great bazaar of Cambodia
10. Sojourn of three months among the savage Stiens
11. Return to Pinhalu and Udong
12. Description of the temple of Ongcor.

Subject Areas: Historical geography [HBTP]