Journal of a voyage to Siam, 1685-1686

The Abbe de Choisy was one of the most extraordinary characters of the late seventeenth century: libertine, transvestite, courtier, diplomat, priest, and academician. His career nevertheless ended respectably as Dean of the Academic Francaise. Prior to this appointment, his connections had secured him - in 1685 - the novel post of co-ambassador to King Narai of Siam. Choisy's account of the embassy, in the form of a daily journal addressed to a friend, is an acknowledged classic of French travel writing. It is by far the most lively of all the records of the mission which had the astonishing aim of converting King Narai to Catholicism. This is the first translation to appear in English of Choisy's record of the embassy. Written with fluent pen and subtle humour, the original text is presented here by Michael Smithies who provides a comprehensive Introduction, placing Choisy and his account in its period. The translation appears with a number of illustrations from other contemporary texts, Choisy's account being unillustrated.