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History of the Philippines: From Indios Bravos to Filipinos 1st Edition, Kindle Edition

by Luis H. Francia (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 282 ratings
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The story of this nation of over seven thousand islands, from ancient Malay settlements to Spanish colonization, the American occupation, and beyond.
 
A History of the Philippines recasts various Philippine narratives with an eye for the layers of colonial and post-colonial history that have created this diverse and fascinating population. It begins with the pre-Westernized Philippines in the sixteenth century and continues through the 1899 Philippine-American War and the nation's relationship with the United States’ controlling presence, culminating with its independence in 1946 and two ongoing insurgencies, one Islamic and one Communist. Award-winning author Luis H. Francia creates an illuminating portrait that offers valuable insights into the heart and soul of the modern Filipino, laying bare the multicultural, multiracial society of contemporary times.
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Previous page
  1. ISBN-13
    978-1468308570
  2. Edition
    1st
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    ABRAMS Press
  5. Publication date
    September 18, 2013
  6. Language
    English
  7. File size
    9776 KB
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Luis H. Francia

"A new take on the Filipino story" -- Inquirer.net

About the Author

Luis H. Francia was born in the Philippines and emigrated to New York in the 1960s. He is the author of Eye of the Fish: A Personal Archipelago and co-editor, with Angel Velasco Shaw, of Vestiges of War: The Philippine-American War and the Aftermath of an Imperial Dream, 1899-1999. He is a Professor of Creative Writing and Asian Pacific American Studies at New York University.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07MXGCXDB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ ABRAMS Press; 1st edition (September 18, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 18, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 9776 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 499 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 282 ratings

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Luis Francia

Luis Francia

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
282 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Dr. T
5.0 out of 5 stars A Very forthcoming, informative, and enjoyable read!
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2018
Verified Purchase
The writer is very articulate and well-informed. He was very forth-coming about the cruelty and atrocities committed against the Filipino people by both the Spaniards and Americans. As an American, I am appalled by the atrocities of our government against other countries. In this case, the United States, who claimed to have been working in the best interest of the Philippine government to free their people from Spanish rule over a hundred years ago, had selfish motives and was covertly looking out for its own interests; that of exploiting the people and resources of the Philippines. Thousands of Filipinos were tortured and murdered under United States rule of the Philippines. This is the kind of history they do not teach grade school and high school level students in the United States. They would have us believe that the US government is always looking out for the welfare and benefit of the peoples of other countries. If you want to know the real history, and intentions, of the government of the United States, read Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States." If you don't believe me or Howard Zinn, open up your eyes and look at what the United States government did to the native peoples of the territories of what is now considered the United States. Look at our participation in and treatment of African peoples who were forced into slavery. In part, I believe the problem stems from a very serious, long-held belief by white people; their belief that they are better than other people whose skin is not as white as the driven snow. With all of the available learning and education that is available to people in the United States today, people persists in their false beliefs and ignorance. Currently, white people are becoming a minority in the United States, and the white faction is scared to death. Thus, with a racists and misogynistic president, the racists and patriarchs here in the United States have come out of the woodwork. However, the good people; those who know that equality of all is not only right but logical, will prevail. The days of the white majority and rule in the United States, and in the world for that matter, are limited. No matter how they fight against the increasing tide of equality and logic, the days of white supremacists are numbered. Our world will eventually transform from ignorant, greedy, and racists, to one which will honor all persons with dignity and respect. As I psychologist, I have great hopes in the evolution of humanity. Right, love, and compassion will triumph.
18 people found this helpful
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Norman Oro UCLA 93
5.0 out of 5 stars Well-written and compelling
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020
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Although I'm Filipino-American and was born in the Philippines, I'm more American than Filipino (I've spent almost my entire life in the United States). However, my Filipino ancestry is an indelible part of me (I only have to look in the mirror to realize this). Consequently, I've made an effort to maintain and improve my grasp of Tagalog, a language of the Philippines that I grew up hearing at home. I also sought a deeper understanding of the country itself, which is why I bought Luis Francia's "History of the Philippines: From Indios Bravos to Filipinos".

The scope of this book is ambitious. It covers the pre-colonial Philippines all the way through to the post-Marcos era. Given this, it does an amazing job at staying a manageable size (I got the Kindle edition, but the paperback is only 368 pages long apparently). Despite its relative brevity, reading it yielded precisely what I wanted: An understanding of the character of the Philippines and the events that helped shape this character. Luis Francia's style of writing helps. The book is well-written, accessible and matter-of-fact. I enjoyed the book and learned a great deal from it. My only caveat would be to approach this book with an alert mind and an at least somewhat critical eye. Of course, this goes for all texts. Ultimately, however, the picture this book presents of the Philippines rings true. For those seeking a deeper understanding of this singular country and her people, I recommend reading this book.
22 people found this helpful
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James Whitlow Delano
4.0 out of 5 stars Valuable, and flawed, history but well worth the read.
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
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I've visited the Philippines more times than I can count for over 30 years and love the country and its myriad of cultures. So, I welcomed the chance to read this comprehensive history of the nation and its insight into the formation of the current society. I found the discussion of the Spanish paternal friars' method of colonization fascinating and learned more about the brutal war of subjugation the US unleashed after the Spanish-American War. The US administration, selling off friars' land to Filipino elites, not common people, for example, set the backdrop of the current income inequality. One thing, though, that jumped out at me was the soft touch of the author on the Japanese conquest and occupation of the Philippines. I've lived in Japan for over 30 years and love the country but know that there was immense brutality during those years inflicted on the Filipino people by the Imperial Army and yet, where there is a detailed recounting of American atrocities after the Spanish relinquished power, yet there is very little discussion about Japan's heavy hand. Why? Still, this is a valuable resource, and there are not many resources in English, to learn more about the centuries of suffering and the resilient spirit of the peoples of the Philippines, a true kaleidoscope of cultures and influences.
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NinjaCroft
5.0 out of 5 stars LIKE
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2024
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Books came in perfect condition
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Top reviews from other countries

Fiorella Glave
5.0 out of 5 stars well received!
Reviewed in France on October 30, 2021
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I received the book a couple of weeks ago, thanks!
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Evan Galway
5.0 out of 5 stars If you are looking to get into Philippine History, ...
Reviewed in Canada on September 24, 2017
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If you are looking to get into Philippine History, buy this book. While segments on pre-colonial Philippines is short, overall the book is incredibly interesting.
One person found this helpful
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JC
5.0 out of 5 stars An Insightful Guide Through Filipino History
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2017
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This is a nicely written book, very readable and full of interesting detail that helps in understanding the culture of the Philippines. As a British national based in Hong Kong I have been visiting the Philippines for 30 years and love the country and it's people. This book helps to explain why so many of the injustices and tribulations that ordinary long-suffering Filipinos face with such good humour and fortitude have been perpetuated. For anyone with a curiosity about what the Philippines was like before it was colonised, how the Spanish ruled, and the brutal reality of the American attempt at imperialism this is a real eye opener. The national heros of Filipino resistance and opposition to crushing oppressive rule are also well described. The post independence conduct of Marcos and other similarly reprehensible characters and the influences that led to their appointment were particularly interesting.
8 people found this helpful
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F1Hertz
5.0 out of 5 stars A very comprehensive, interesting, and readable history of the Philippines!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 19, 2016
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This is a very readable history, with good historical coverage, facts, opinion and humour. The book covers early Philippine history, the arrival and establishment of Spanish colonialism, and the various political tos-and-fros up to 2014. There are many interesting revelations particularly about the American colonial period and how it relates to the various histories of the countries in the region. It also provides a good understanding of tensions both within the Philippines itself and those with neighbouring countries. Strongly recommended.
One person found this helpful
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RM
4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended read for anyone interested in Philippine history
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 22, 2017
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I love the fresh new take on the pre-colonial history of the Philippines with the discovery of the LCI (ca. AD 900), a true game changer into how far really the history of the islands go and which is something I wasn't taught when I was at school. It's also a forward looking history book which captured the most recent events that continually shapes the nation as an emerging economy in the world.
One person found this helpful
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