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Anderson, Benedict R. O. G. (Author) & Mendiones, Ruchira Chinnapongse (Co-Author/Translator) : In The Mirror: Literature And Politics In Siam In The American Era

Editions Duang Kamol, Bangkok, Thailand, 1985

ISBN 9742103801

First Edition / First Printing. Fine in Fine Dust Jacket. 303 pages. Landmark collection of short stories. One of the greatest literary anthologies ever published on Thai literature in our time. The First Hardcover Edition. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. Published in a tiny first print run as a hardcover original only. Most copies were issued without a DJ. Only a few were issued with the original DJ, including this copy. The First Edition is now rare. Presents "In The Mirror". Fresh and riveting translations of selected short stories that mirror the complexities of a rapidly changing and modernizing Siam, the authors' preferred (and historically, more accurate and resonant) name for Thailand. Despite the radical changes that often result in psychic and structural dislocations, Siam also remains deeply bound to its monarchic past, a fact that remains true to this day. Benedict Anderson, the world-renowned scholar on Southeast Asia and legendary author of "Imagined Communities: Reflections On The Origins and Spread of Nationalism" (1983), also wrote a lengthy and controversial Introduction that is widely considered to be the single best essay ever written by a foreign observer/historian on the relationship between Thai literature and politics. An absolute "must-have" title for modern literature collectors. This copy is very prominently, neatly, and beautifully signed and inscribed in blue pen on the front free endpaper by one of the authors: "To Marilyn, Affectionately, Ruchira [Chinnapongse Mendiones]". The recipient, who is named, is unmistakably personally known to the author. Thai authors and writers are known by their first names and still sign as such; the surname was not adopted by Siam until the turn of the century, a very late adoption. This title is a late-modern classic. As far as we know, this is the only such signed and inscribed copy of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing available online and is in especially fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright, a pristine beauty. Please note: This copy of the Hardcover Edition comes with the rare DJ, missing in most copies. A rare signed copy thus. Some of the finest authors of our time. A fine copy. (SEE ALSO OTHER BENEDICT ANDERSON TITLES IN OUR CATALOG). ISBN 9742103801.

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