Bangkok - The Story of a City

£12.99

A fluent and affectionate portrait not only of the city of Bangkok, known to Thais as ‘the city of angels’, but also of the dynasty and culture that created it. Cutting through confusion and veiled mystery, Waugh unravels the plots, coups, wars, assassinations, invasions and counter-coups of two hundred years of history as if they were the evening’s gossip.

Better known as the elder brother of Evelyn Waugh, although not sharing the literary renown his younger brother did, Alec Waugh’s account of Bangkok seems to reflect the convivial geniality he was known for- some say he even invented the cocktail party during the 1920s, and he lived much of his life overseas in many exotic locations.

This description of the genius, fascination and enduring vitality of Bangkok is told with Waugh’s customary delight in life and sensual appreciation. The story is brought up-to-date with an afterword by Bruce Palling, formerly ‘The Times’ correspondent in Thailand.