Le Royaume du Cambodge [Paperback]

The first comprehensive account of Cambodia's history, geography and society in a European language, published in two volumes in 1883.From 1868 to 1879 former French naval officer Jean Moura was administrator of the recently established French protectorate of Cambodia. He thoroughly researched Cambodia's history, geography and society, and on his return to France compiled this two-volume illustrated reference work, published 1883, the first of its kind in the West.From 1868 to 1879 former French naval officer Jean Moura was administrator of the recently established French protectorate of Cambodia. He thoroughly researched Cambodia's history, geography and society, and on his return to France compiled this two-volume illustrated reference work, published 1883, the first of its kind in the West.In 1868, Jean Moura took up the post of Administrator of the French protectorate of Cambodia, established the previous year by invitation of the country's rulers who wanted freedom from Thai control. Apart from a short break in 1870, Moura stayed in his post at Phnom Penh until 1879. The foreword describes Moura's determined efforts to find out about every aspect of Cambodian history and culture, and explains how on his return to France he prepared this two-volume, illustrated reference work. Published in 1883, it was announced as the first serious study of Cambodia, indispensable to those wishing to seek their fortune in this most beautiful of French colonies. Volume 2 focuses on the royal chronicles of Cambodia, and on the country's ancient sites and antiquities, their architecture and decoration, before discussing contemporary architecture, visual arts, poetry, music and drama. The book ends with an appendix of recently deciphered Cambodian inscriptions.1. Chronique royale du Cambodge; 2. Aper?u sur les ruines du pays; 3. Etat actuel des arts au Cambodge; Appendice.