The Romance of the Harem: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Romance of the Harem: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Romance of the Harem is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Leonowens, Anna Harriette (1831–1915).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Romance of the Harem" by Anna Harriette Leonowens is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work provides a vivid portrayal of life in the Siamese royal harem, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the complex dynamics of power and gender within a fascinating cultural context. Drawing from her personal experiences and observations, Leonowens sheds light on the lives of the women who navigate their fates under the constraints of the royal court. At the start of the narrative, the foundation is laid with an introduction to Siam, referred to by its people as "Muang Thai," and its rich culture. The opening chapter elaborates on the country's history, its connections to Buddhism and its social structures, while also setting the stage for the personal stories that follow. The focus then shifts to specific characters within the harem, particularly a young girl named Tuptim, who experiences both the allure and the burdens of life in the palace. The chapter establishes a poignant tone, hinting at the trials and tribulations Tuptim will face within the harem's walls, as well as the overarching themes of love, loss, and the quest for freedom that drive the narrative forward.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Romance of the Harem
- Author credits: Leonowens, Anna Harriette (1831–1915)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Thailand -- History -- 1782-1945 -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Biographies
- Category: Gender & Sexuality Studies
- Category: History - Modern (1750+)
- Category: History - Religious
- Category: History - Royalty
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


