William Warren has written the texts of a number of illustrated books: "Legendary Thailand," "Thai Style," "The Chao Phraya River" and "Thai Garden Style." Warren also wrote "The Legendary American," a biography of Jim Thompson, who revived the Thai silk industry and disappeared mysteriously in Malaysia.
The texts are always well written and thoroughly researched. His latest book lives up to his high standard. It is liberally and beautifully illustrated with old and new photographs of the Thai elephant and with reproductions of paintings and murals in which the beast has been constantly depicted.
Warren tells us that "in both physical and legendary form the elephant has existed as long as the kingdom itself, an intricate part of the culture. . ." Interesting details are given about elephants: They are vegetarian and can consume 250 kg of hay and 20 liters of water in a day. The trunk can move great logs and kill an enemy; its tip acts as a very keen nose.