The Ramakien: The Thai Epic - Illustrated With The Bas-Reliefs Of Wat Phra Jetubon, Bangkok (First Edition)

Kodansha International Ltd, Tokyo, 1971 (First Edition). 29.5 x 22.5cms, 256pp, b/w illusts, very good- hardback & dustwrapper, some wear on wrapper, tanned pages The Ramakien is the Thai version of the most important myth of Southeast Asia, which originated in India and is known as the Ramayana. It is a story that closely parallels Western myths, such as those of the Iliad, recounting the struggle between the forces of good & evil. The central episodes of this story are depicted in the bas-reliefs of the temple of Wat Phra Jetubon in Bangkok with the complete set (152) of the rubbings presented in this book. Sections include: The Abduction of Nang Seeda (1-7), Hanuman's Journey to Longka (8-20), The Burning of Longka (21-47), The Banishment of Pipeck (48-68), The Impersonation of Nang Seeda (69-76), The Building of the Causeway (77-94), The Investment of Longka (95-112), The Defeat of Kumpagan and Intorachit (113-140), & The Final Battles (141-152). Also includes the essays, "From Ramayana to Ramakien: A Literary & Historical Background to the Thai Epic" & "The Bas-Reliefs: The Origin of the Bas-Reliefs of Wat Phra Jetubon"