History of the Philippine Islands, Volume 1 and 2

by Antonio de Morga, Emma Helen Blair, James Alexander Robertson

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morga's account of the Philippine islands offers only the perspective of the colonisers throughout the archipelago, and understandably so. To my understanding, this account was prepared for the Spanish monarch and his associates for a clearer picture of the affairs and histories in the colony without having to visit.

The translation is archaic. Navigating the notes proved a tedious task. If you plan to read this account, do not make the same mistake of expecting that much of the book will provide a historical tour of the Philippine islands and its inhabitants. Instead, Morga's account only meets this expectation at the last portion of the book, in the eighth chapter. Much of the first half of the book details voyages in neighbouring polities, such as in China and Cambodia.

In any case, I found that Morga's account is slightly more useful to keen historians (or history nerds who are as keen or perhaps foolish like myself) than Filipino readers looking to know more about the history of their country. O.D. Corpuz's "Roots of the Filipino Nation"—which is not here, unfortunately—is more useful in that regard. That said, the latter appreciates the former's utility.

If you don't have access to better books on Philippine history prior to or circa the arrival of the Spaniards, then you will not be too amiss with Morga's account. If you want to skip to the accounts of the natives, skip to "Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas" or after that, in the eighth chapter.

[Eliz Francisco]

Events

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

An occasionally fascinating primary source on the Spanish colonial administration of the Philippines. Unfortunately, an interminable slice of de Morga's attention is devoted to Spanish adventures on the Chinese mainland.

Also, if you're into Rizal, it's entertaining to see Rizal correct and "correct" de Morga in his footnotes.