Siam In Trade and War Royal Maps of the Nineteenth Century by Narisa Chakrabongse, Henry Ginsburg, Santanee Phasuk, Dawn F. Rooney

4to. pp. 88. English & Thai text. illustrated. wrs. Bangkok: River Books. [2006].

New.

ISBN-10: 9749863267 / ISBN-13: 9789749863268

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Historical maps are much more than geographical records. Often they provide insights into a country's politics, trade and war. In 1996, 17 large, hand-drawn and hand-coloured maps were discovered in the Princess Abhantri Paja Mansion in the Grand Palace, Bangkok. This magnificent collection is today in the care of the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Now for the first time, Her Royal Highness has graciously allowed five of these precious maps to go on show at the Jim Thompson House, Centre for Arts. Together with 80 other related items, the exhibition Siam in Trade and War - Royal Maps of the Nineteenth Century gives a fascinating picture of the Siamese history and geopolitics during the first three reigns of the Chakri dynasty.