The Kingdom of the Yellow Robe Being Sketches of the Domestic and Religious Rites and Ceremonies of the Siamese

"The Kingdom of the Yellow Robe" by Ernest Young is a compilation of observations chronicling the daily lives, religious observances, and traditional celebrations of the Siamese people in the late 1800s. Drawing from the author's experiences in Bangkok during his time living there, the book provides glimpses into Siam's cultural identity. At the start, the author introduces Bangkok, calling it the "Venice of the East", including background about the movement of the capital from Ayuthia. Young details the busy street life, noting the Chinese workers, among the chaos of vendors, priests, and local figures. This paints a vivid picture of the sights, sounds, and smells of the city, along with cultural details that are explored in the book, including domestic life, wedding customs, and religious ceremonies, coupled with the author's observations and writing style.