The Story of Anna and the King

by Cecelia Holland

Here is the real story behind the woman who inspired a best-selling biography, one of the top Broadway musicals of all time. And two classic films--and it's one that will inspire you. The epic love story between a British governess and the King of Siam once again comes to life with the release of Twentieth Century Fox's Anna and the King, starring Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster and international superstar Chow Yun-Fat. The Story of Anna and the King captures all the nuances of this extraordinary relationship, as well as the extravagant film depicting it, in lush, full-color photographs. Cecelia Holland weaves a beautiful narrative of the true histories behind Anna Loenowens and the Siamese royal family, as well as the political and cultural rises and falls of Siam--present-day Thailand--based on historical information and the published works of Anna Leonowens. Filmed entirely in Malaysia, Anna and the King features one of the largest motion picture sets ever constructed--the King's palace, which covers more than eight acres of land. Under the direction of Andy Tennant, an international cast and crew representing more than twenty countries works with a myriad of stunningly ornate costumes, thousands of extras, and a menagerie of specially trained animals, The Story of Anna and the King invites you to enter King Mongkut's world.

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Pen name used by Elizabeth Eliot Carter.

Cecelia Holland is one of the world's most highly acclaimed and respected historical novelists, ranked by many alongside other giants in that field such as Mary Renault and Larry McMurtry. Over the span of her thirty year career, she's written almost thirty historical novels, including The Firedrake, Rakessy, Two Ravens, Ghost on the Steppe, Death of Attila, Hammer For Princes, The King's Road, Pillar of the Sky, The Lords of Vaumartin, Pacific Street, Sea Beggars, The Earl, The King in Winter, The Belt of Gold, The Serpent Dreamer, The High City, Kings of the North, and a series of fantasy novels, including The Soul Thief, The Witches Kitchen, The Serpent Dreamer, and Varanger. She also wrote the well-known science fiction novel Floating Worlds, which was nominated for a Locus Award in 1975. Her most recent book is a new fantasy novel, Dragon Heart.

Reviews

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The film on which this book is based is one of my most favourite films. On so many levels: the obvious yet incredible probability of the King and Anna Leonowens' meeting; their individual and highly divergent upbringings; the reality of the then Siam (not being a British colony); the incredible settings; the multi national cast and the magnificent film dialogue.
So wonderful for me to explore this in more detail. I was staggered to read the King' palace for recreated over 8 acres!
Unputdownable

[Michael Heath-Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollywood glamour asian style.

[Bcoghill Coghill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. This is the story of the Jodi Foster/Chow Yun-Fat movie and a discussion of the historical aspects of the story.