Swish of the Kris: The Story of the Moros

by Vic Hurley

THIS NEWLY ENHANCED EDITION OF THE AUTHOR'S 1936 BOOK IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TO THE ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE CURRENT MORO (ISLAMIC FILIPINO) POLITICAL AND BRUTALLY SAVAGE EVENTS IN THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS,INCLUDING ABU SAYYAF AND THE HISTORICAL CONNECTION TO BOTH TRADIONAL AND RADICAL ISLAM. It now contains photographs and maps from the author's private collection never before available; a new introduction setting out the author's history and connection to the Philippines; and a new comprehensive index to this history of the Moros' 500 year struggle to maintain their culture and their tradional homeland. LEGENDARY THE ISLAMIC MOROS OF THE PHILIPPINES HAVE NEVER BEEN CONQUERED. To reach a real understanding of the forces of history that made the Moros the fearsome fighters that they were and are, the author gives the reader hard facts, careful research, and vivid prose. Although Hurley was writing at a much earlier time and from a western viewpoint, there is no doubt about his respect and admiration for the character and convictions of the fighting Moros, and his disdain for the ineffective strategies and tactics of the US military.

Genres: Martial Arts

301 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Steve Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book. Originally published in 1936, it can be had in PDF format with a simple internet search.

I list it among the martial arts shelves for those Filipino martial artists who might be interested in a history that includes the weaponry and methods from the archipelago.

[Nico · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the Toledo blade of the Spaniards to the Krag rifle of the Americans. Moros proved that they are a worthy foe and they are the true inhabitants of Mindanao.

This is a detailed book, from the Juramentados to the Amuks . I also loved the law section and the cultural background of the Moros in the latter chapters of the book.

The only complication is that how the Moros were depicted as pirates rather than original inhabitants that defended their country. I guess that's what happens when a story was told through the lens of another nationality. Other than that it's a great read for people who wants to understand the Moros fighting capability but to understand the Moros more, delve deeper into Philippine literature.

Specifically Mindanao literature written by people in Mindanao.

[Rai Keyri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground fights especially about the jurumentados were well detailed. Great book. The author made a big error in writing this book. The pirates are not the Moros. It's the Americans for colonizing and trespassing someone else's lands.

[Miroku Nemeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great narratives of our Moro brothers and sisters and their resistance to imperialism and colonization in this book. Much respect and much love to them.

[Bong Montesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Provides context to the past and future challenges.