Notes and Memories of Cambodia

The first and only translation of a rare and important first person memoir of late 19th century Cambodia, written by a prominent businessman who had the good fortune to live in the kingdom for two decades after that nation became a French Protectorate in 1867. Working as an independent importer for the royal palace, Bernard Marrot served King Norodom directly, and the monarch rewarded his loyalty with multiple decorations and contracts. The author’s private sector position also gave him unique perspectives of a nation going through enormous political, economic and social changes.

For this reason, French government and military officials nominally in control of Cambodia disliked Marrot, and resented his close relationship with the king. Upon his return to France, however, the French Legion of Honor recognized Marrot’s service, and he was finally free to express his feelings, prejudices and observations with candor. It is therefore not surprising that many of his unfiltered views in this work directly criticize the French authorities in Cambodia themselves.

This monograph–originally published to coincide with the International Exposition of Lyon in 1894–gives readers an accurate description of Cambodia, its monarchy, slavery, Buddhism, habits, customs and the Angkorean civilization at its roots. To promote commerce, Marrot even detailed local agricultural products with potential for investment.

In this expanded modern edition, Joel Montague presents an introduction describing the author’s life and the exposition that inspired the original publication, supplemented by 87 hand restored illustrations, including images from Marrot’s monograph.