The Romance of the Harem is a book written by Anna Harriette Leonowens, an English author and educator who spent several years in the royal court of Siam (now Thailand) in the late 19th century. The book is a collection of stories and anecdotes about life in the harem, the private quarters where the wives and concubines of the sultan lived.Leonowens provides a vivid and detailed account of the harem, describing the daily routines, customs, and traditions of the women who lived there. She also delves into the relationships between the sultan and his wives and concubines, as well as the power dynamics and rivalries that existed among them.The book offers a unique glimpse into the world of the harem, which was largely inaccessible to outsiders at the time. It also sheds light on the complex social and cultural norms of the Ottoman Empire, which governed the lives of the women in the harem.Overall, The Romance of the Harem is a fascinating and insightful read for anyone interested in the history of the Ottoman Empire, as well as those interested in the lives of women in the royal courts of the past.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
A Victorian woman looks at life in a Siamese harem
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
The introduction to this book is as interesting as the book itself. Anna Leonowens remains a controversial character. The truth of her stories is questionable, her own biographical information may have been selectively edited or changed to reflect a more genteel background than Anna really had. Was she, in fact, an Anglo-Indian? Much scandal surrounds her still.This book is the source, along with her other book The English Governess at the Siamese Court, for Margaret Landon's better known work Anna and the King of Siam. This book has the story of Tuptim, the concubine who was executed for running away, disguised as a priest. It is written in a typically Victorian elaborate style, so can be heavy going for some people. However, if you are curious about Anna herself, this is a must-read.
A great, romantic novel.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Mrs. Leonowens is a fine writer. Though most of here stories have been debated whether they were true or not, it reads as a good book if not a historical novel. Ms. Morgan gives a lot of backround to the author and book and unviels an amazing truth about Anna Leonowens. I like the book because it was like a small door to the world of yesterday that is dead with only a faint memory behind. I also like storiesof history.The book is heavy like most Victorian novels I've read. It takes longer than most but worth the effort. In this copy we see a picture of Anna Leonowens herself. If you enjoyed this you ought to read Anna and the King of Siam.
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