History of the Philippine Islands

by Antonio de Morga

This is a reproduction of the original artefact. Generally these books are created from careful scans of the original. This allows us to preserve the book accurately and present it in the way the author intended. Since the original versions are generally quite old, there may occasionally be certain imperfections within these reproductions. We're happy to make these classics available again for future generations to enjoy!

Genres: Nonfiction, History

298 pages, 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.