Original novel based on Anna Leonowens's diaries which was the spark that launched the original movie and long-running musical. A tale of comedy and tragedy, intrigue and mysticism, cruelty and gentle wisdom, this is the story of the 'real' Anna and the King of Siam. In the 1860s King Mongkut of Siam engaged Anna Leonowens, an Englishwoman, to teach his many children and favourite concubines. Margaret Landon mixes mostly fact with fiction to evoke with stunning detail a time when foreign lands were still unknown and traditions ruled daily life. This classic, bestselling story, written more than fifty years ago, was the source of inspiration for the beloved movie and long-running Broadway musical The King and I. Now, as a major feature film is released from 20th Century Fox starring Jodie Foster, thousands of new fans are poised to discover the magic of this classic romantic tale.