Anna and the King of Siam - Tapa blanda

Original novel based on Anna Leonowens’s diaries which was the spark that launched the original movie and long-running musical.

A tale of comedy and tragedy, intrigue and mysticism, cruelty and gentle wisdom, this is the story of the ‘real’ Anna and the King of Siam.

In the 1860s King Mongkut of Siam engaged Anna Leonowens, an Englishwoman, to teach his many children and favourite concubines. Margaret Landon mixes mostly fact with fiction to evoke with stunning detail a time when foreign lands were still unknown and traditions ruled daily life.

This classic, bestselling story, written more than fifty years ago, was the source of inspiration for the beloved movie and long-running Broadway musical The King and I. Now, as a major feature film is released from 20th Century Fox starring Jodie Foster, thousands of new fans are poised to discover the magic of this classic romantic tale.

The timeless tale that inspired 'The King and I' and the major motion picture 'Anna and the King'

Margaret Landon lived as a missionary in Siam (now Thailand) where she became fascinated with the story of Anna Leonowens, the Englishwoman who was hired as a governess by King Mongkut of Siam in the 1860s. Engaged to teach his many children and favourite concubines, Anna also helped the King write his extraordinary letters to foreign rulers and diplomats. She was instrumental in the education of the young prince who eventually became Thailand's most progressive King, and , inspired by Anna's anti-slavery teachings, abolished slavery and instituted many radical reforms in a country that was slowly dragging itself into the twentieth century.

Mixing fact with fiction, Margaret Landon tells a dazzling tale of comedy and tragedy, intrigue and mysticism, cruelty and gentle wisdom and, of course, a forbidden love between two extraordinarily different people. This classic, bestselling story that has been translated into dozens of languages continues to enchant and delight audiences around the world.

“A biography of unusual charm, an inviting escape into an unfamiliar, exotic past. Margaret Landon's style is one calculated to transport us instantly.”
NEW YORK TIMES

“This is an enchanting book... the amazing story [Margaret Landon] has to tell is recounted with humour and understanding. And what a story it is!”
ATLANTIC MONTHLY

“A remarkable book”
NEW REPUBLIC