David K. Wyatt (1937–2006)

David Wyatt explores the intellectual history of Siam from roughly 800 A.D. through the present era. He chronicles history here through short illustrative vignettes that provide an insight to the many walks of life and experiences in Thailand's past. At times I felt I was reading a people's history as Wyatt explores themes ranging from art, literature, and sex to religion and war. Many of the accounts illustrate not only the variety of actors in Thailand's multicultural past but are show more endearing as well. I especially enjoyed the account of a monk who established libraries and the artist who illustrated the province of Nan's history on a temple mural. Wyatt draws upon a wide range of sources, from eye-witness acounts of battles to regional historical texts. There are also many photographs of interest interspersed throughout. I enjoyed reading this brief trip into Thailad's history and think that one's appreciation of the material grows the more one knows about Thailand and Southeast Asia. If one is looking for a general history, this book will not provide it. However, it does provide a glimpse into different aspects of culture and the variety of Thai history, and is quite enjoyable. show less

Indispensable reference for anyone living in Thailand, studying the country or Tai people, libraries with an Asian collection. Etc., etc., etc. Wyatt, who died a few years ago, was the dean of Thai studies. Don't confuse this one with the recent crapulous so-called history by Chris Baker, which should soon disappear.