Margaret Landon first became interested in Anna Leonowens' story, when a friend recommended to her "The English Governess at the Siamese Court" which was published in 1870. Fascinated with the story and its potential, she contacted one of Anna's grandchildren, and in 1941 began to seriously research writing an updated (and vastly more entertaining) version of the book. "Anna and the King" is the product of her efforts.