By Neale, Frederick Arthur

London: National Illustrated Library, 1852 1st Edition. – sm8vo – 19.6cm. [xiv], 280pp; 2pp Index; 4pp. publisher’s advertisements. 20 engraved illustrations including full-page map of Siam and front-piece, several engraved illustrations in text. Publisher’s maroon blind-stamped decorative cloth covers with gilt titles on spine and blind embossed gilt decorations. With engraved plates and illustrations in text and map at front. With portrait frontis. In very good condition. Spine slightly faded, front gutter strong, rear gutter separating and pages loose, otherwise a clean copy with custom burgundy cloth slipcase.

A record of Siam / Thailand in the mid-19th century. Included are: descriptions of Paknam, Samshoe, Bangkok, etc; the populace of the country; the French missions; the Royal Siamese Navy; marriage ceremonies and funeral rites; medicine; monsoons; tea-plants; Prince Chou-Fas; the games of battledoor and shuttlecock; the Temples of the White Elephants; Chanti Boon; architecture; monkeys; snakes; cookery; festivals; Yuthia; dress and costume; use of betel-nut; etc. and etc. First edition of this comprehensive work on Siam.

Neale resided for many years in Siam, in the service of the Siamese king. His book is a lively and humorous description of Siam of the 1840s. Most historical accounts of Thailand are either earlier in the 17th century or the latter part of the 19th Century, hence his book provides a fascinating account of a little known period. The author was in the service of King Rama III, so he was in an excellent position to gather inside information. Neale provides lively descriptions of marriage and funeral ceremonies, festivals, and the character of the Siamese, but also of disputes between the government of Siam and Cochinchina, trade with China, and business in Siam. Also included is a chronicle of his visit to Chantaburi. A glimpse of the understanding of early Siamese cartography is offered and the author’s description of meeting with an arrogant missionary as well as his anecdotes of other lively scenes of life in Siam in the 1840s.

$600.00 -