Contemporary Thailand has seen the rise of an immense cult focused on King Chulalongkorn the Great (r. 1868-1910). In Worshipping the Great Moderniser; Irene Stengs explores the continuing appeal of King Chulalongkorn and considers what this ruler's unprecedented popularity says about modern Thai society.Arguing that the exalted expectations of kingship are a product of the ambitions and anxieties of Thailand's expanding middle class; she compares the popular image of King Chulalongkorn with that of the present king; the highly venerated King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Stengs demonstrates how ideas and imaginings of Thainess; modernity; and kingship have culminated in what she terms "modern Buddhist kingship;" a concept that draws on traditional idioms but is highly modern. Her search for the social imaginary surrounding Thai kingship and Thainess during the past century and a half yields an intriguing amalgam of popular religion; Buddhist kingship; nationalism; and material culture.
#704544 in Books imusti 1996-04-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .44 x 5.51l; .55 #File Name: 0295975199154 pagesUniversity of Washington Press
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Tough Read But Well Worth The EffortBy Skin DocThis book is not easy reading to be sure. However; it was worth slugging away at it all the way to its conclusion. It provides some explanations for why the Jewish People have until recently notreally sensed a need for legimate historiography. The final section concerning "remembering vs. forgetting"; has lessons for Humanity at large.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A real classicBy Avi EzerIn the 30 years since Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi published his poignant and profound insight into the tension between history and sacred memory; it's hard to think of a more influential work by a Jewish historian. Or of one which so readily merits a re-reading by those who remember the impact it first made. As for those who aren't familiar with it; give yourself an intellectual treat-- a short study but one which --no pun intended-- you won't forget.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. but amazing. Plow through the first 20 pages and it ...By ZeeBeeA hard read; but amazing. Plow through the first 20 pages and it gets easier to read.
