The first independent biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose image as a benign Buddhist god-king masked one of the world's most politically powerful thrones "One of the most important books on Thailand to appear in English."--Ian Buruma, New York Review of Books Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej, the only king ever born in the United States, came to the throne of his country in 1946 and at the time of his death, in October 2016, was the world's longest serving monarch. The King Never Smiles , the first ...
Read More
The first independent biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose image as a benign Buddhist god-king masked one of the world's most politically powerful thrones "One of the most important books on Thailand to appear in English."--Ian Buruma, New York Review of Books Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej, the only king ever born in the United States, came to the throne of his country in 1946 and at the time of his death, in October 2016, was the world's longest serving monarch. The King Never Smiles , the first independent biography of Thailand's monarch, tells the unexpected story of Bhumibol's life and sixty-year rule--how a Western-raised boy came to be seen by his people as a living Buddha, and how a king widely seen as beneficent and apolitical could in fact be so deeply political and autocratic. Paul Handley provides an extensively researched, factual account of the king's youth and personal development, ascent to the throne, skillful political maneuverings, and attempt to shape Thailand as a Buddhist kingdom. Handley takes full note of Bhumibol's achievements in art, in sports and jazz, and he credits the king's lifelong dedication to rural development and the livelihoods of his poorest subjects. But, looking beyond the widely accepted image of the king as egalitarian and virtuous, Handley portrays an anti-democratic monarch who, together with allies in big business and the corrupt Thai military, has protected a centuries-old, barely modified feudal dynasty. When at nineteen Bhumibol assumed the throne, the Thai monarchy had been stripped of power and prestige. Over the ensuing decades, Bhumibol became the paramount political actor in the kingdom, silencing critics while winning the hearts and minds of his people. The book details this process and depicts Thailand's unique constitutional monarch--his life, his thinking, and his ruling philosophy.
Read Less
Add this copy of The King Never Smiles: a Biography of Thailand's to cart. $7.34, like new condition, Sold by Rosario Beach Rare Books rated 1.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lake Stevens, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Yale University Press.
Add this copy of The King Never Smiles: a Biography of Thailand's to cart. $8.20, very good condition, Sold by Academybookshop rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Long Island City, NY, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Yale University Press.
Add this copy of The King Never Smiles: a Biography of Thailand's to cart. $10.99, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Yale University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The King Never Smiles: a Biography of Thailand's to cart. $11.35, good condition, Sold by Goodwill rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brooklyn Park, MN, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Yale University Press.
Add this copy of The King Never Smiles: a Biography of Thailand's to cart. $11.37, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Yale University Press.
Add this copy of The King Never Smiles: a Biography of Thailand's to cart. $11.59, good condition, Sold by Midtown Scholar Bookstore rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Harrisburg, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Yale University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good-Bumped and creased book with tears to the extremities, but not affecting the text block, may have remainder mark or previous owner's name-GOOD Standard-sized.
Add this copy of The King Never Smiles: a Biography of Thailand's to cart. $11.60, fair condition, Sold by Midtown Scholar Bookstore rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Harrisburg, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Yale University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. Acceptable-This is a significantly damaged book. It should be considered a reading copy only. Please order this book only if you are interested in the content and not the condition. May be ex-library. PAPERBACK Standard-sized.
Add this copy of The King Never Smiles: a Biography of Thailand's to cart. $12.49, very good condition, Sold by FirstClassBooks rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Little Rock, AR, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Yale University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good. Used books are NOT guaranteed to contain components and/or supplements such as: Access Codes or working CD's/DVD's! ! Expedited shipping 1-3 business days;
Add this copy of The King Never Smiles: a Biography of Thailand's to cart. $12.49, good condition, Sold by FirstClassBooks rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Little Rock, AR, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Yale University Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Used books are NOT guaranteed to contain components and/or supplements such as: Access Codes or working CD's/DVD's! ! Expedited shipping 1-3 business days;
Add this copy of The King Never Smiles: a Biography of Thailand's to cart. $15.00, very good condition, Sold by Powell's Books Chicago rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Chicago, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Yale University Press.
