Artistic Impressions of French Indochina – La Terre de Bouddha
This rare 1923 publication of French artist André Joyeux’s colorful paintings of Indochina is now available as a modern, full-color hardcover edition.
Translators Wanted for French-English Indochina Literature
French colonial period scholars and adventurers created hundreds of profound studies of the Khmer Empire and their rich cultural legacy that still resonates throughout Southeast Asia. They also passionately wrote about sublime and painful relationships and romances that blossomed between Easterners and Westerners.
Most of these French books, novels and articles are long out-of-print and forgotten. But almost none have ever been translated into the English language. This is why we are seeking interested translators to bring select French works of Indochina literature into English.
Fascinating Fantastic and Funny Cambodian Folktales in English and French
Cambodian imagination knows no bounds! This new collection of Cambodian folktales in English and French takes readers through imaginative twists and turns to meet simple villagers living deep in the jungle, kings and princesses in fabulous palaces, angels and gods of the Hindu heavens…you’ll even confront (and outwit) fierce pirates hiding in island lairs! Originally collected by French writer G. H. Monod in the early 20th century, Cambodian scholar Solang Uk adds new perspectives and cultural information to this new edition to make these timeless tales even more entertaining. The rare cover painting of Cambodian village life was done by artist George Groslier in 1912.
Jean Despujols Prix de Rome Centennial 1914-2014
Born in Salles en Gironde, France on Mar. 19, 1886, Jean Despujols is best known to Southeast Asian scholars for his stunning art depicting French Indochina during his two-year mission throughout the region from 1936-1938. His paintings of Angkor and Cambodian dancers are among the most beautiful ever created. This article by his grandson, Godefroy Hofer, describe the competition that established his reputation as a world-class artist and celebrate a magnificent anniversary: Jean Despujols’ centennial of winning the Grand Prix de Rome on July 18, 1914.
Roland Meyer, Saramani and a Cambodian Love Affair
Roland Meyer arrived in French Indochina in 1907 to write his historical epic, Saramani Khmer Dancer, about a Cambodian romance.
Picture Postcards of Cambodia: 1900-1950 – Book Review
Picture Postcards of Cambodia – A masterpiece, conveying the adventure, diversity, exoticism and excitement of early 20th century SE Asia.
From America to Angkor the Artistic Odyssey of Lucille Douglass
In 1927, American artist Lucille Douglass wrote the lines below…who would suspect that she would remain at Angkor Wat for all eternity?
“Angkor is one of the really great experiences of my life-a more intellectual than emotional experience — not that it left me cold, quite the contrary — but it was more of an uplift — an inspiration.
“Our stay — longer than most tourists — was all too short — Angkor Wat alone requires years of study — living with understanding — a few days seems but a mockery.
“I have never had a place affect me so peculiarly. . . . I shall go back for a time as long as I can stand it and do further study on the spot.
“You see the ruins are set in the midst of the jungle — which held them in its clutches for so many centuries that it still seems jealous of them.”
Banteay Chhmar-A 1924 Automobile Adventure with George Groslier
In 1924, Khmerophile author and explorer George Groslier took the first automobile trip to Cambodia’s remote Khmer temple Banteay Chhmar.
Treasures of Khmer Culture-The National Museum of Cambodia
Historian Darryl Collins traces the National Museum of Cambodia from founding ideas of Albert Sarraut and George Groslier to the present.