An essential and authoritative introduction to a world of spectacular ancient kingdoms, palaces and temples

Tales of kings and princes, wars, conquests and unions with gods and goddesses – all these are portrayed in the friezes, reliefs and stone carvings for which Cambodia has become renowned. The enormous variety of styles and influences, both sacred and secular, that are expressed in the art of Cambodia and the Khmer civilization make it one of the most surprising and rewarding of all Southeast Asian cultures.

Cambodia’s turbulent history makes the richness and fragility of its architectural and artistic legacy strikingly apparent. World-famous, breathtaking sites such as Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei and Preah Vihear have tended to overshadow a wealth of lesser-known buildings and complexes buried in the jungle. Many remarkable photographs are published here for the first time, including sites that have, until now, been almost impossible to see. Scores of sites are treated to the author`s rich historical analysis.