Beginning with a definition of who the people of The Philippines are, this fully illustrated history then tracks back to describe the prehistory of the country through to 1500 AD. The next two chapters chart the colonial experiences under Spain (1500-1896), then the first republic and the subsequent defeat by the United States (1860-1910). Following this are chapters on the Japanese occupation and the third republic (1910-1972). Next comes a description of the Marcos dictatorship and its consequences (1970-1986) and the book ends with a look at the fifth republic and the future of the country. Ray Canoy's authoritative text describes the history of The Philippines from pre-history to the present day.

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.

"Chance aided the Japanese in the Philippines. Warning messages were never delivered, pursuit planes took off and landed at the wrong moment, anti-aircraft shells wee out of date. But chance alone did not bring about the greatest defeat American arms have ever know. " back cover.

Updated by Nigel Collins, author of "Boxing Babylon", this classic "bible of boxing" has been continuously in print since 1959. Here in one stunning volume is the vast panorama of the "sweet science", from bare-knuckle fighting through the rise of Lennox Lewis. Photos throughout.