nicholas grossman

King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world's longest-serving head of state and one of its most intriguing leaders. Born in the United States and educated in Europe, he unexpectedly became king of Thailand in 1946, acceding to the throne after the tragic death of his brother. The story of his life, reign and work dovetails with the history of modern Thailand, and covers a period of time in which the kingdom developed more dramatically than ever before. How did Thailand's young king transform himself and reshape the monarchy? What moments of triumph and crisis defined his reign? Why did he become one of the most revered kings in Thai history? King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A Life's Work tells that remarkable story. Divided into three parts - The Life, The Work and The Crown - this illustrated account follows the monarch through nine decades of domestic and global upheaval and progress. The volume explains why development became the overriding focus of his reign and how he sought to improve the security and well-being of his people. It also takes a fresh look at rarely examined and often misunderstood institutions related to the throne, including the Crown Property Bureau and Privy Council, and includes essays on Thailand's law of lese-majeste and the process of succession. For both general readers and specialists, King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A Life's Work offers fresh insights into Thailand and its unique monarchy.