A Past Recovered: Essays on Philippine History and Historiography

by Glenn Anthony May

No scholarly article in recent memory has caused as much controversy in Philippine academic circles as Glenn May's "A Past Revisited, A Past Distorted," an extended critique of the "nationalist" school of Philippine historiography that appeared in the Diliman Review in 1983. That article serves as the starting point of this volume of essays by Professor May, one of the most respected historians of the Philippines in the United States. Relying on a wide range of primary sources, most of them archival, he takes issue with several articles of faith of the nationalists--among them, the notion that the Philippine-American War was a genuine popular struggle. But May does not confine his critical comments to the nationalists. He argues as well that a number of widely-accepted ideas about the Philippine past--for example, the belief that holders of elective office in Philippine municipalities during the Spanish era were the actual holders of political power--are nothing more than myths. Furthermore, in his final essay, he takes some healthy swipes at the scholarly contributions of academics situated on both the right and the left sides of the ideological spectrum.

"This spirited collection of essays accurately reflects Glenn May's impressive range, sophisticated technique, and lucid style. Original, stimulating, and joyfully iconoclastic, May is one of the leading students of Philippine and Philippine-American history. Anyone who cares about these fields needs to know his views." --Peter W. Stanley

"An extraordinarily stimulating and provocative collection of essays by one of the leading lights in Philippine and Phil-American history. May's careful use of sources allows him to challenge many long-accepted interpretations. An outstanding achievement." --Kenton J. Clymer

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Bianca Nagac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the most comprehensive Philippine history book I read. May did a great job in highlighting vital points about the Philippine-American war that are not commonly discussed in academes. We gain a further understanding on the conflicts among the Philippine masses and elites, and how it affected our fight for independence. For those who know Lisandro Claudio, I see some similarities on how they debunk theses of other Philippine historians. There is an encouragement to be more mindful of the sources we will believe in and be more critical in our judgment. This is a book that should be read by history students or those who are interested in this topic.