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There’s passion in early Thai literature. This book has English translations of two Thai classic poems of love from around 1500. Lilit Phra Lo is one of the best-known works — a long narrative poem with an unusual romance, lots of magic, a spectacular climax, and a blood-soaked ending. By contrast, Thawathotsamat or Twelve Months, is almost unknown today. This passionate year-long lament for a lost lover was once greatly celebrated, but has been quietly sidelined over the past century for being “too erotic.” This talk will focus on Twelve Months, with readings, history, and comparisons in world literature.