A Resounding Failure

Initially seeking converts and trade, the French presence in 17th-century Siam turned into a classic colonial adventure, with troops sent to occupy, by force if necessary, the most important ports of Bangkok and Mergui. François Martin, from his unique viewpoint as director of the French trading outpost at Pondichéry on the coast of India, provides a careful analysis of the motives of the persons involved in the French colonizing venture. Michael Smithies has skillfully translated and assembled all the references to Siam from Martin’s Mémoirs, linking the segments with his own knowledgeable commentary to present a detailed picture of the unfolding tragedy.