A History of the Philippines

"A History of the Philippines" by David P. Barrows is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book serves as an introduction to the history of the Philippines, intended for high school students, and aims to deepen their understanding of their island country's past. It covers a broad range of topics, from the early inhabitants and cultures to the impacts of colonization and the political landscape of the Philippines. The opening of the text sets the stage for this exploration of Filipino history. The author discusses the necessity of presenting a history of the Philippines to its youth, emphasizing the need for an understanding of their cultural heritage and the context of their current place in the world. Barrows mentions the difficulties of sourcing historical materials and acknowledges contributions from notable local historians. He also hints at a comparative perspective, drawing parallels between the Philippines and Japan, suggesting the potential for growth and development rooted in education and historical awareness. The purpose of the book is framed as not just a recounting of events, but a guide to inspire further exploration and understanding of the Philippines’ evolving identity through its history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

David Prescott Barrows was an American anthropologist, explorer, and educator. Born in Chicago in 1874, his family moved to California. He showed a keen interest in the life and customs of Native Americans, and was said to have "spent almost every summer during the period 1890–1899 in research work among the tribes of southern California and in the Colorado Desert." He later became President of the University of California. He traveled extensively, publishing descriptions of his findings in countries such as Morocco and the Philippines.