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In his first novel, George Groslier glorifies the colonizing power of France, while celebrating a Khmer art of living. His protagonist, Résident Ternier, lives his life in devotion to his mission, to the roads that link beings, bring villages into the world, open up economies, and guarantee security and peace.Professor Henri COPIN-ForewordA chance encounter on a French country road irrevocably intertwines the fate of Pierre Ternier-a colonial administrator visiting from Cambodia-with successful car manufacturer Roland Gassin and his wife Hélène. When Ternier learns the Gassins are headed to French Indochina to explore manufacturing their cars, he extends an invitation to visit him in Cambodia.As Roland concludes their business in Vietnam, Hélène is the first to arrive in the rural Cambodian province of Battambang, where Ternier's primary duties are constructing and repairing the Protectorate's rapidly expanding road network. Through Ternier's warm hospitality, Hélène is immersed in the rural lifestyle and Khmer culture, as she is charmed by the friendly natives. Soon, however, it becomes apparent that Hélène is a woman with a secret…a secret that would change all of their lives forever.* * *Born in Cambodia in 1887, George GROSLIER redefined the art, architecture, history and literature of his beloved birthplace. Here, in its first English translation, Groslier gives readers a candid and intimate look at life in early 20th century colonial French Indochina.This edition includes an insightful foreword by Professor Henri Copin, supplemental materials, the original French text, publisher's notes, and a 75-page feature article by Tom Kramer: "Colonial Battambang Today-Revisiting George Groslier's Setting for The Road of the Strong."

Un roman d'amour de Paul-Louis Rivière, situé dans le décor tropical, luxuriant et serein, du Siam (Thaïlande) au début du XXe siècle. Poh Deng, un jeune Siamois, grandit près de la jeune Mè Ping. Une relation amoureuse se noue. Mais à mesure que l'avenir se profile, Mè Ping est choisie pour devenir danseuse au Ballet Royal de la Cour, tandis que Poh Deng rejoint le corps des moines bouddhistes. Leurs destins semblent alors diverger….La rare édition en couleurs de 1913, illustrée par le célèbre artiste Joseph de la Nézière, était limitée à 350 exemplaires. Notre édition moderne reproduit fidèlement l'original dans un format plus grand. Elle comprend également un article de journal de l'auteur écrit 1911, «Autour d'un sacre», ainsi qu'un avant-propos contemporain du professeur Henri Copin, les notes de l'éditeur Kent Davis, et les profils biographiques détaillés de M. Rivière et de M. de la Nézière.C'est donc une édition très soignée, richement illustrée, avec des éclairages documentaires de qualité.

The first and only translation of a rare and important first person memoir of late 19th century Cambodia, written by a prominent businessman who had the good fortune to live in the kingdom for two decades after that nation became a French Protectorate in 1867. Working as an independent importer for the royal palace, Bernard Marrot served King Norodom directly, and the monarch rewarded his loyalty with multiple decorations and contracts. The author's private sector position also gave him unique perspectives of a nation going through enormous political, economic and social changes.For this reason, French government and military officials nominally in control of Cambodia disliked Marrot, and resented his close relationship with the king. Upon his return to France, however, the French Legion of Honor recognized Marrot's service, and he was finally free to express his feelings, prejudices and observations with candor. It is therefore not surprising that many of his unfiltered views in this work directly criticize the French authorities in Cambodia themselves.This monograph-originally published to coincide with the International Exposition of Lyon in 1894-gives readers an accurate description of Cambodia, its monarchy, slavery, Buddhism, habits, customs and the Angkorean civilization at its roots. To promote commerce, Marrot even detailed local agricultural products with potential for investment.In this expanded modern edition, Joel Montague presents an introduction describing the author's life and the exposition that inspired the original publication, supplemented by 87 hand restored illustrations, including images from Marrot's monograph.

Based on a 19th century Cambodian palm leaf manuscript, "Vorvong and Saurivong" dramatizes the personification of the last Buddha in several of his many incarnations. In 1898, a local scholar entrusted Auguste Pavie, one of France's greatest explorers, to copy, translate and publish the antique Khmer folk tale. Subsequent Khmer and French editions consolidated the original color and black-and-white illustrations. The tales later formed the basis of a contemporary Khmer ballet.The story revolves around the challenging lives of two princes, brothers, who were mistakenly expelled from the royal court by their father the king. Separated from each other, they wandered for a decade while facing incredible hardships and vicissitudes including defeating a giant in a cave, suffering the betrayal of the hermit Vorvongby, using magic rings and crystal balls, and repeated interventions by the gods. Finally, they are rejoined to do battle against their wicked stepbrother in a dramatic attempt to enlighten the king to the injustice they suffered, restore their titles, and bring peace and harmony to the kingdom.This first English translation is an important contribution to the cultural history of Cambodia. The full color edition featuring 51 illustrations was translated from the French by Marie-Helene Arnauld, with Jim Mizerski and Joel Montague providing the introduction and commentary.