Five Studies on Khun Chang Khun Phaen

Baker and Pasuk have single-handedly invigorated international interest in classical Thai literature by translating the monumental folk epic Khun Chang Khun Phaen. Now they have compiled this invaluable collection of essays that illustrates how the epic has been read and understood. Three of the essays are superb translations of classic studies by Thai literary scholars - Boonlua, Cholthira, and Warunee. Baker and Pasuk have thrown down a gauntlet to challenge non-Thai-reading literary scholars to deploy current literary theory in conversation with their Thai colleagues. I hope that sparks will fly. -- Thak Chaloemtiarana, professor of Asian literature, religion, culture, and Southeast Asian studies, Cornell University

Siam’s great folk epic, The Tale of Khun Chang Khun Phaen, has entertained readers and audiences down through the centuries, with its rich and earthy portrayal of life and relationships. Here, a mix of Thai and Western scholars present five critical essays that uncover hidden layers and expose new themes using theories and approaches developed mainly within the field of Western literary criticism.

The first two essays arose out of the crucible of Thailand’s social upheaval and student protest movement in the early 1970s, while the remaining essays are more recent.