Synopses & Reviews
In this vibrant cultural history, Maryvelma O'Neil takes us on an engaging tour of Bangkok, revealing the rich ancient heritage of this fascinating city. The capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, Bangkok stands out as a place of extraordinary allure. Beginning as a floating city in a lush tropical setting, known to foreigners as the "Venice of the East," its majestic Grand Palace and glittering Buddhist temples today compete with chimneystacks and a jungle of skyscrapers. O'Neil illuminates a city rich in art, history, royal ceremony, and tradition and she uncovers fascinating pockets of traditional indigenous life and places of intense beauty hidden in Bangkok's labyrinthine lanes and alleys.
About the Author
Maryvelma O'Neil is an art historian. A portion of her royalties will be donated to help preserve murals in Thailand's Buddhist temples.
Table of Contents
Introduction First Impressions
Rattanokosin/Sino-Siamese City
City in Transition/Europeanizing City
Miniature Democracy/Last Absolute Monarch
Long Era of the Dictators/A Royal Tragedy
American Plans/Thaithanic
Sex in the City/Post-Modern City
Chapter One: City of Kings
Sukhothai and Ayutthaya
Grand Palace
The River of Kings
Klongs of Thonburi
Rajadamnern (Royal Walk)
Chapter Two: City of Temples and Shrines
Wat Arun
Wat Pho
Golden Mount and Wat Saket
Erawan Shrine
Chapter Three: City of Missionaries and Merchants
Sampheng
New Road
Strangers in a Strange Land
Oriental Hotel
Chapter Four: City of Legends
Silpa Bhirasri Memorial Gallery
Jim Thompson Museum House
M.R. Kukrit Pramoj Heritage Home