Anna Harriette Leonowens

The English Governess at the Siamese Court (eBook, ePUB)

Being Recollections of Six Years in the Royal Palace at Bangkok

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "The English Governess at the Siamese Court," Anna Harriette Leonowens presents a captivating memoir that offers a unique glimpse into the court of King Mongkut of Siam during the mid-19th century. Written in an accessible yet richly descriptive style, Leonowens'Äô account blends autobiography with cultural observation, illuminating the complexities of Siamese society through the eyes of an outsider. As she recounts her experiences educating the royal children and navigating the intricacies of court life, readers are introduced to a world that juxtaposes Western assumptions with Eastern traditions, revealing the multilayered dynamics of colonialism and globalization that were burgeoning at this time. Anna Harriette Leonowens, a British-born educator and travel writer, was uniquely positioned to document her experiences in Siam, as her background in teaching and her encounters with diverse cultures overtly influenced her perspective. Her tenure as governess from 1862 to 1867 ultimately propelled her into a wider realm of literary significance, as her writings challenged prevailing Western notions of the East and emphasized the importance of cultural empathy. Leonowens' work reflects her dedication to education and her passionate advocacy for societal reform, drawing from her rich personal history and encounters. "The English Governess at the Siamese Court" is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of cultural history, colonial encounters, and gender dynamics in 19th-century literature. Leonowens' firsthand narratives provide an intimate portrayal that not only entertains but educates, making it an essential addition to the library of readers eager to understand the complexities of intercultural relations and the insights of a pioneering woman in her time.

---

Dieser Download kann aus rechtlichen Gründen nur mit Rechnungsadresse in A, B, BG, CY, CZ, D, DK, EW, E, FIN, F, GR, H, IRL, I, LT, L, LR, M, NL, PL, P, R, S, SLO, SK ausgeliefert werden.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 314
• Erscheinungstermin: 21. November 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664646118
• Artikelnr.: 58499741

Autorenporträt

Anna Harriette Leonowens (1831-1915) was a British travel writer, educator, and social activist, now best known for her work, 'The English Governess at the Siamese Court' published in 1870. This account, which has significantly influenced Western perceptions of Siam (now Thailand), details her experiences while she served as the governess to the children of King Mongkut, Rama IV, from 1862 to 1867. Born in India, of mixed Indian and British descent, Leonowens had an itinerant life, with her early years marked by tragedy, including the premature death of her husband Thomas Leon Owens, leaving her a widow with two children to support. Her resourcefulness led her to the Siamese Royal Court, where her formidable intellect and spirit soon earned her a place in history. It was her memoirs, notable for their literary flair and insightful commentary on Siamese court life, which also secured her a somewhat controversial literary legacy. Scholars have debated the authenticity of Leonowens' portrayal of Siamese culture and the historical accuracy of her narrative. Nonetheless, her work is significant for its contribution to the genre of travel literature and for its unique feminist perspective during the Victorian era. It also inspired the famous Margaret Landon novel, 'Anna and the King of Siam' (1944), and its various adaptations, including the well-loved musical 'The King and I'. Leonowens' stories, whether apocryphal or factual, continue to captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into the life of a remarkably adventurous woman who transversed cultural boundaries at a time when such actions were rare for women.