Full Description
An exciting new historical novel.
Every so often a long-lost manuscript from the dusty shelves of an obscure archive to challenge our entrenched views of former times, far-off places, exotic peoples. Such a lucky find by a pair of Bangkok-based expats forms the subject of this book, a work of historical fiction. Binding the tattered tapestry of fact with filaments of fiction, this book brings to life the dramatic events of a near forgotten place and time of battles, subterfuge, and broken alliances in a manner that rivals classic histories of the past.
Contents
Editor's Preface 7
Translators' Prologue 9 Provenance / Translation / Reunion
Diogo's Testament 29 Ayutthaya / Macau / Santa Cruz / Rosario / Sampheng
The Diogo Chronicle 53 1. Death of a Dynasty 59
Treachery / Abdication / Deliverance / Catastrophe
2. Burmese Ramayana 85
Invasion / Siege / Defeat / Captivity
3. Upstart Regime 111
Comrades / Elites / Reconstruction / Reintegration
4. Royal Scoundrels 139
Pretensions / Conspiracies / Exile / Requital
5. Warlords of the South Seas 167
Conquest / Détente / Asylum / Retribution
6. Turning Point 189
Subterfuge / Invasion / Gauntlet / Breakout
7. Reign Change 215
Distractions / Disorder / Coup / Countercoup
Translators' Epilogue 249
Postscript / Coda
Endnotes 261
Bibliography 279
List of Maps and Tables 285
Acknowledgements 286
