Title
The King Never Smiles: A Biography Of Thailand'S Bhumibol Adulyadej
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The First Independent Biography Of Thailands Bhumibol Adulyadej, Whose Image As A Benign Buddhist Godking Masked One Of The Worlds Most Politically Powerful ThronesOne Of The Most Important Books On Thailand To Appear In English.Ian Buruma, New York Review Of Booksthailands 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 Worlds Longest Serving Monarch. The King Never Smiles, The First Independent Biography Of Thailand'S Monarch, Tells The Unexpected Story Of Bhumibol'S Life And Sixtyyear Rulehow A Westernraised 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 Kings 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 Antidemocratic Monarch Who, Together With Allies In Big Business And The Corrupt Thai Military, Has Protected A Centuriesold, 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 Thailands Unique Constitutional Monarchhis Life, His Thinking, And His Ruling Philosophy.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'The King Never Smiles'? A: 'The King Never Smiles' is an independent biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej, exploring his life, reign, and the complexities of his political influence as a monarch.
- Q: Who is the author of this biography? A: The biography is written by Paul M. Handley, who provides a comprehensive account of King Bhumibol's life and rule.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book consists of 512 pages, offering an in-depth look at the life of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: 'The King Never Smiles' is available in hardcover binding, ensuring durability for readers.
- Q: What is the publication date of 'The King Never Smiles'? A: The book was published on July 28, 2006.
- Q: What are some key themes discussed in the book? A: Key themes include the portrayal of Bhumibol as a benevolent king, his political maneuverings, and the juxtaposition of his public image versus his autocratic rule.
- Q: Is this book suitable for readers unfamiliar with Thai history? A: Yes, the book provides context and background information, making it accessible for readers new to Thai history.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The book is listed in 'Good' condition, indicating it is used but still in a presentable state.
- Q: Does the book cover Bhumibol's contributions to Thailand? A: Yes, the biography discusses Bhumibol's achievements in various fields, including art, sports, and rural development.
- Q: Can this book be considered a critical analysis of the Thai monarchy? A: Yes, the book offers a critical perspective on the Thai monarchy, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of King Bhumibol's reign.