Book excerpt: "The myth of the toad king is an important one for the Thai/Lao people, who have been faced with drought year in and year out, and it celebrates the battle victory of a human king, Phya Khankhaak, over the rain god, Phya Thaen. The story begins with the installation onto the throne and the recognition of Phya Khankhaak as a meritorious and just king by all creatures in the universe. Such an occurrence so humiliates Phya Thaen that he wields his power and lashes his great wrath on earth with drastic drought and hellish fire. Lucid and vivid descriptions of Phya Khankhaak's army and battle against Phya Thaen form the major part of the story. After the triumph of the human king over the god, Phya Thaen is forced to send down the rain seasonably to earth until the final destruction of earth arrives." "The translation is designed to be readable and accurate, as well as to convey the original cadences and nuances in the English translation. To accomplish such goals, translator Wajuppa Tossa assumes the roles of both a medium and a storyteller. The text is illustrated with intricate line drawings of mythical creatures and characters as well as scenes alluded to in the narrative." "Adding to the reader's appreciation of the significance of the myth in Thai culture are a summary of the story, notes on the translation, a biographical sketch of the late scribe, his writing samples, elegiac poems sung at his wake, and Isan geographical and historical backgrounds."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved