Description
Book SynopsisShows that the real life of Anna Leonowens was far more fascinating than the beloved story of the Victorian governess who went to work for the King of Siam. This book offers an account of how and why Anna became an icon of American culture in "The King and I" and its many adaptations.
Trade Review"A lively incarnation of Anna, one that gives the character of the musical and movies full humanity in historical context." -- Scotia W. MacRae Philadelphia Inquirer "Morgan paints a satisfying, multifaceted portrait. Engrossing retelling of an extraordinary life, correcting many popular misconceptions." Kirkus Reviews "This informed and entertaining biography reveals Leonowens as an intriguing and complex woman, whose interests ranged far beyond young lovers and whistling happy tunes." -- Karl Helicher Foreword "A fascinating, scholarly work." -- Faye Harkins Library Journal "Pick up Bombay Anna and be prepared to find an inspiring story of an incredible woman." -- Jessica Jacobson Feminist Review "An ambitious, engaging, informative work of scholarship, one that is hard not to rate a genuine success." New Mandala; Tailand-Laos-Cambodia Group "This book is in part the story of two Annas... The real story is more compelling than the fiction." The Bloomsbury Review
Table of Contentslist of illustrations preface acknowledgments 1. Introduction: A Life of Passing 2. Ancestors: A Methodist, a Soldier, and a "Lady Not Entirely White" 3. A Company Childhood 4. Daughter of the Deccan 5. Love and Bombay, at Last 6. Metamorphosis: "A Life Sublimated above the Ordinary" 7. A Teacher and a King 8. A Job in a Palace 9. "The Noble and Devoted Women Whom I Learned to Know, to Esteem, and to Love" 10. Settled in Bangkok 11. The Paths to Good-bye 12. An American Writer 13. The Canadian Grande Dame 186 14. "Shall We Dance": Anna and U.S.--Thai Relations 207 appendix one: the magnificent charter: how the british got to india appendix two: the women of british india select bibliography index
