From Publishers Weekly
Stieglitz, former Washington correspondent for the Bangkok Post and U.S. foreign service officer in the '60s and '70s, recounts the tragedy of a gentle people caught up in factional conflicts led by three Lao princes. He records the chaotic history of Laos in its last years and the struggle by shaky coalitions representing outside interests to maintain the country's independence and neutrality prior to the communist takeover in 1975. A keen, sympathetic observer, the author evokes the storybook charm of the former French colony as he quotes letters written home during his romantic courtship of and subsequent marriage to one of the princes' daughters. He also depicts a bewildering, multinational cast of characters, including Americans who, according to the policies of successive administrations, alternately supported the kingdom or speeded its downfall. Photos not seen by PW. Index.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
In a Little Kingdom blends bits of Laotian history since World War II with the author's experiences as an exchange teacher in that country (1959-60) and as a low-level foreign service officer in Laos, France, Thailand, and Washington, D.C. (1961-77). Steiglitz had access to news of events and policy matters through his diplomatic employment and through his impressive contacts with the Laotian government--he married the daughter of the prime minister, Prince Souvanna Phouma. Steiglitz is not a historian, and the usually short and simplistic analysis is buried amidst accounts of social functions. Although scholars will prefer Contemporary Laos , edited by Martin Stuart-Fox (LJ 2/15/83), the dearth of books on Laos makes this a good choice for collections serving general readers.
- Kenneth W. Berger, Duke Univ. Lib., Durham, N.C.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Kenneth W. Berger, Duke Univ. Lib., Durham, N.C.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
