The History Of The Philippine Islands V1 And V2

by Antonio de Morga

The History of the Philippine Islands V1 and V2 is a comprehensive historical account written by Antonio de Morga. The book is divided into two volumes, with the first volume covering the period of pre-colonial Philippines up to the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. The second volume covers the Spanish colonization period, including the arrival of the first Spanish expedition led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.The book provides a detailed account of the political, social, and economic conditions of the Philippines during the pre-colonial period. It also explores the different cultures and traditions of the various indigenous groups that inhabited the islands. The second volume delves into the Spanish conquest and colonization of the Philippines, including the establishment of Spanish rule and the impact of colonization on the indigenous peoples.The author, Antonio de Morga, was a Spanish lawyer and historian who served as the lieutenant governor of the Philippines from 1595 to 1603. He wrote the book based on his personal experiences and observations during his time in the Philippines. The History of the Philippine Islands V1 and V2 is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Philippines and its people.While Don Luys Dasmarinas was governing, the suspicions and fear of Xapon continued, which, together with the Chinese trouble, kept the people in continual anxiety. The governor sent his cousin, Don Fernando de Castro, with letters and despatches to the viceroy of Canton and to that of Chincheo, where many of the Chinese who had seized the galley and killed Governor Gomez Perez, were thought to be found. Supposing that they had gone there with the galley, the governor requested the Chinese authorities to deliver the culprits for punishment, and to restore the royal standard, artillery, and other things which had been seized.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

338 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Josh]

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]

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.