Journal of a Voyage to Siam, 1685-86

The Abbe de Choisy was one of the most extraordinary characters of the late 17th century: a libertine, transvestite courtier, diplomat, priest and academician. This is his lively account of a year spent in the court of Siam, as co-ambassador to King Narai.

---

The Abbe de Choisy was one of the most extraordinary characters of the late 17th century: a libertine, transvestite courtier, diplomat, priest and academician. His career nevertheless ended respectably as Dean of the Academie 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.