Talking History: Conversations with Teodoro A. Agoncillo

by Ambeth R. Ocampo

These free-wheeling, no-holds-barred conversations pave the way towards a re-evaluation of Agoncillo's scholarship, providing readers insight into the man's working methods, his joys and struggles that helped shape his view of Philippine history.

Genres: History

193 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Lamberto R. Ocampo better known as Ambeth R. Ocampo (b. 1961) is Filipino historian, academic, journalist, cultural administrator and author best known for his writings about Philippines' national hero José Rizal, and for his bi-weekly editorial page column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, "Looking Back." He became the Chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2002 until 2010, and was appointed as Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2005 until 2007.

Reviews

[RE de Leon]

In between the many things I'm busy right now, I've been reading snatches of Ambeth Ocampo's recently released "Talking History: Conversations with Teodoro A. Agoncillo." (recently republished by the UST Publishing House, c2011).

It's a fascinating read that says about as much about writing life as it does about historian's profession.

In a series of interviews, Agoncillo gave the then-very-young Ocampo (and through him, us) a peak into the whys and wherefores of his research and writing. In doing so, Agoncillo says much about the way historians have shaped the telling of our national story over the years.


Ocampo and Agoncillo are, of course, two very controversial figures in Philippine historical scholarship, and that is precisely why the piece is fascinating. Requiring a cursory knowledge of Philippine historians and , this book is not for the casual reader. If ever you wanted to read between the lines of the modern Filipino historical narrative, though, then this book is a must-read.

More thoughts soon.

[Joseph Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very good book to read. As Prof. Ambeth Ocampo ushered me into the life and times of the country's eminent historian, Prof. Teodoro Agoncilio, I began to understand the latter's views and struggle, achievements and his abhorrence to some of his colleagues in UP.

[Geno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Si Thales yung nahulog.

[The Visual · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently bought a copy of "Talking History: Conversations with Teodoro Agoncillo" by Ambeth Ocampo which was reprinted by the UST Press. I was able to get a copy via online store (Shopee).

It's a glimpse on the thoughts and perspective of a successful and well-known historian.

Teodoro Agoncillo was awarded the title of National Scientist because of his pioneering work on Philippine History. He was one of the major factors on why Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan became part of the consciousness of the Filipinos. His angle on the contribution of the 'Masa or Masses' to the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1898 against the Spanish Colonials and the 1899-1901 against the American invaders became popular through his books.

In a series of interviews conducted in 1984 by a young Ambeth Ocampo, Professor Agoncillo was both candid and frank. He dropped some controversial remarks about other historians. I enjoyed his recollections of working with Lope K. Santos.

Professors Agoncillo's knowledge and talent were not limited to social and history but also to the study of lingustics or languges.

For those who would be able to get a copy of this book, remember that the conversations were made in the latter years of the Marcos government. Read with a grain of salt.

Definitely, worth having in your Filipiniana collection.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who would like to know more about the principles, historiography and how one of the most prolific historians in the country paved his journey as the respected academic that he was, read this book. It"s a rare opportunity reading through a series of sit down interviews and dialogues with his fellow historians and writers: Ambeth Ocampo and the late great F. Sionil Jose.

[Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing that I discovered is that the great Teddy Agoncillo was not originally a historian but a lover of literature, poetry, and fiction. He was able to bring his style into writing history, and we can see how much it has flourished and made a mark in telling the story of our times.

[Carla]

ggg

[kb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cover art
The original edition is something out of a public elementary library.

But 1995 was a long time ago. Thankfully, the newer edition looks better. It gives justice to what it contains, which is some of the most important words on Philippine history ever shared.

In a nutshell
Eminent historian Teodoro Agoncillo in a no-holds-barred conversations about his writing methods and insights about the Philippine experiences.

Spirit animal
I'm no Ambeth Ocampo, let alone Teodoro Agoncillo, but I admire them even more so now, having finished this book—Agoncillo for being brave and candid in answering the questions, Ocampo for having the guts and perseverance.

Magical moments
I'd have to say there were a lot of them but it was best when Teodoro Agoncillo shared details about our national heroes and specifics about the war that were never discussed in our history classes (or at least, in mine).

Words to live by
It goes without saying (but I still will) that Teodoro Agoncillo had a lot of wisdom in him. Among all, my favorite is:

"Mahirap ngayon ang educational system. (The educational system is getting difficult.) They're out for the degree, not knowledge."

It's simple but it resonates.

Yay! and Boo!
I did enjoy the book very much and would recommend it to everybody; at the same time, it was a difficult read and would not recommend it to just anyone, because it takes a certain amount of patience and/or deep interest to get into this book.

Yes, Maybe or No?:
Definitely yes for some serious history trivia and absolutely not if you think this is just for casual reading.

[Eduardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A no holds barred interview, Teodoro Agoncillo gave his honest answers with pride and conviction. It is a must read because it tackles different aspects of being a teacher and a student. Truly it made my day