"This is neither a translation nor an adaptation of Sunthorn Phu's Phra Abhai Mani, one of the best-loved stories in all Thai Literature. It is merely intended as an introduction to the great work, for the benefit of those who are unable to read the original. In its summarised form, it necessarily lacks some of the finer qualities of the masterpiece. But is should serve its purpose until the complete work is translated"--Preface to the First edition