History of Siam

This book was the first attempt which has ever been made to compile, in a European language a history of Siam from the earliest times down to a comparatively modern period. The intention of the author in writing it was to provide a handy book of reference for those who are unacquainted with the main facts of Siamese history, and have no time or desire to delve them out for themselves from among amass of contradictory documents. It is the story of a collection of more or less uncultivated immigrants from southern china, who settled in the country now known as Siam, overcoming a mighty empire, and establishing a number of Free states, which become finally fused into the Siam of today. We see them humbled to the dust again and again by a more powerful neighbor, yet always rising up and regaining their freedom. Those who believe in the survival of the fittest will admit that the Siamese must possess some special qualities which have marked them out to maintain this unique position.