Siam The Land of the White Elephant As It Was and Is

Siam The Land of the White Elephant as It Was and Is” by George B. Bacon (1873) is a richly illustrated historical and cultural survey of 19th-century Siam (Thailand). Bacon traces Siam's geographical features, early European interactions, dynastic history, and modernizing transformations under Western influence. Combining factual history with vivid travel narratives and ethnographic detail—such as tropical scenery, temples, and everyday customs—he presents the nation’s gradual embrace of steam, gas, and electricity alongside its enduring traditions. The book provides an informed, empathetic Western perspective on Siam’s unique identity and its cautious adoption of modernity.