The Philippines Reader: A History of Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Dictatorship, and Resistance [Paperback]

Luzviminda Francisco (Author), Shirley Jenkins (Author), Luis Taruc (Author), Renato Constantino (Author), Ramon Diokno (Author), David Joel Steinberg (Author), Claro M. Recto (Author), Philip Shabecoff (Author), Stephen Rosskamm Shalom (Editor), President Emilio Aguinaldo (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999 | ISBN-10: 089608275X | ISBN-13: 978-0896082755 | Edition: 1st

"The Philippines Reader" illuminates the history of the continuing struggle of the Philippines people for true independence and social justice. Daniel Schirmer and Stephen Shalom have put together a single volume readings and documents providing essential background-- from the turn-of-the-century U.S. war of conquest to the new administration of Corazon Aquino.

Analytical articles from varying authors explore, among other topics, the nature of the U.S. colonial regime, the role of the church, conflicts with national minorities, the situation of labor, peasants and women, and U.S. policy, as well as prospects for the future.

Documentary selections in this "Philippines Reader" come from such diverse sources as the CIA and the State Department; U.S. Presidents McKinley and Reagan; Philippine leaders Aguinaldo and Aquino; Philippine nationalist and left organizations such as the Anti-Base Coalition, Bayan, Kaakbay, and the New People's Army; and U.S. opponents of foreign intervention.

The editors introduce, explain, and tie together over eighty readings making this the most complete introduction available on events in the Philippines.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Political activists Schirmer and Shalom gather here over 80 articles and documents that seek to demonstrate a longtime, popular struggle on the part of Filipinos for social justice and freedom from foreign domination. The selections tell of the past and present U.S. role in the Philippinesfrom the turn-of-the-century U.S. conquest (wresting control of the colony from Spain) to the flight last year of dictator Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino's assumption of the presidency. The editors admit that they have not constructed a "neutral book,' but sources include the CIA, the State Department and President Reagan, as well as Philippine nationalist and leftist groups and U.S. opponents of foreign intervention. Partisan, the book raises disturbing questions about the future of our role in the Philippines. This is an educational and timely look at a complex nation.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 425 pages
• Publisher: South End Press; 1st edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089608275X
• ISBN-13: 978-0896082755
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #498,159 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent history of U.S.involvement in the Philippines, August 24, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (third world- one planet - american) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Philippines Reader: A History of Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Dictatorship, and Resistance (Paperback)

As a person interested in social justice and race relation issues, and a first time reader of Philippine history, i found the book very interesting and highly educational on the subject of the United States military,political,social,economic and cultural subjugation of the Filipino people from the year 1900 to 1986. It made me ashamed to live in the United States and benefit ( either directly or indirectly) from the subjugation of the Filipino people. It detailed the specific evil nature of U.S. foriegn policy in its quest to gain ( militarily, politically and economically) at the expense of others "misery" !!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars important information, November 8, 2007

By 

dimayuga bondoc "capulong" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Philippines Reader: A History of Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Dictatorship, and Resistance (Paperback)

A good start to understanding. Read further if you don't believe it. The US is not innocent, it is as much an imperial power as Spain was. Don't take my word for it Just read, pay attention, and look at the big picture. This book can help in your education and understanding.

5.0 out of 5 stars Still excellent after all these years, July 8, 2010

By 

chrispforr - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Philippines Reader: A History of Colonialism, Neocolonialism, Dictatorship, and Resistance (Paperback)

Although it is now 23 years old, this volume remains an indispensable source of important documents to understand 111 years of American intervention in the Philippines. Excellent book!

I wish the author would update it, there is at least enough new source material for a similar size volume covering the years 1987 to the present.