The Opposing Thumb: Decoding Literature of the Marcos Regime

by Leonard Casper

The Opposing Thumb was written on a Rockefeller grant in Bellagio, Italy, in March 1994, but draws on forty years of Philippine cultural studies that have resulted in seven investigatory volumes and fourscore articles.

68 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Leonard Ralph Casper (1923–2018) was an American literary critic, fiction writer, and professor best known for his extensive work on Philippine literature. He taught at Boston College for 45 years and was a visiting professor in the Philippines on several occasions. Casper's books on Philippine literature were widely referenced in the 1980s by English majors in the Philippines. His work was instrumental in connecting Philippine literature with American readership and was respected by many Filipino writers and critics.

Reviews

[Michael David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casper's introduction to English language literature written in the Philippines during the Marcos regime was incisive as regards who were bravely dissident against the imposition of censorship. I've always admired my English professor in college regarding his guidance and taste. What I found out was that most of the great, subtle works by Filipinos were recommended by him, such as Brillantes' Apollo Centennial and Eric Gamalinda's works.

I really hope that we will never forget our past. It's our safeguard for our future.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would just peruse it for the authors' names and works and not pay much mind to Casper's analysis.

[Daniel Mangawong · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's great