Rich with the drama and vibrance of two cultures colliding, this is the story of Anna's struggles to create a life for herself and her son in a new land, and to accept a culture she did not understand. It is also a touching and often humorous account of her unlikely friendship with the king of Siam -- and how it changed them both forever. Now abridged for middle grade readers, this historical narrative is alive with laughter, adventure, and compassion.

Margaret Landon first become interested in Anna Leonowens' story when a friend recommended to her The English Governments at the Siamese Court, which was published in 1870. Fascinated with the story and its potential, she contacted one of Anna's granchildren, and in 1911 began to seriously research writing an updated land vastly more entaining version of the book. Anna and the king is the product of her efforts.