The Stolen White Elephant
The Stolen White Elephant by Mark Twain, published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform in April 2013, is a concise narrative that explores a curious historical account shared by an elderly gentleman met during a railway journey. This edition spans 56 pages and is presented in English, offering readers a glimpse into the cultural significance of the royal white elephant in Siam, a creature revered and worshipped by its people. The story unfolds against the backdrop of diplomatic tensions between Great Britain and Siam, highlighting the complexities of royal gestures and the interplay of honor and reparation.
In this work, Twain delves into themes of reverence and the unique customs surrounding the sacred white elephant, illustrating how such traditions can influence international relations. Readers will find a blend of humor and insight as the narrative examines the motivations behind the King’s desire to send a gift to the Queen of England. The book fits within the realms of literature and fiction, particularly appealing to those interested in classics and ancient literature. With its engaging storytelling, The Stolen White Elephant invites readers to reflect on the cultural nuances that shape human interactions across borders.
Official synopsis Publisher
The following curious history was related to me by a chance railway acquaintance. He was a gentleman more than seventy years of age, and his thoroughly good and gentle face and earnest and sincere manner imprinted the unmistakable stamp of truth upon every statement which fell from his lips. He said: You know in what reverence the royal white elephant of Siam is held by the people of that country. You know it is sacred to kings, only kings may possess it, and that it is, indeed, in a measure even superior to kings, since it receives not merely honor but worship. Very well; five years ago, when the troubles concerning the frontier line arose between Great Britain and Siam, it was presently manifest that Siam had been in the wrong. Therefore every reparation was quickly made, and the British representative stated that he was satisfied and the past should be forgotten. This greatly relieved the King of Siam, and partly as a token of gratitude, but partly also, perhaps, to wipe out any little remaining vestige of unpleasantness which England might feel toward him, he wished to send the Queen a present-the sole sure way of propitiating an enemy, according to Oriental ideas.
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