"The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898— Volume 40,” is a renowned series encompassing primary sources, letters, official reports, and historical documents related to the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule. The comprehensive work was expertly edited by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson. It is divided into 55 volumes, each focusing on specific time periods, themes, and aspects of the Philippines' history, ranging from the earliest Spanish explorations to the eve of Philippine independence. This series has become a foundational resource for historians, researchers, and scholars interested in understanding the complexities of the Philippines' past, the interactions between Spanish colonizers and indigenous populations, religious influences, political developments, economic activities, and cultural exchanges that have shaped the nation over centuries. Through meticulous curation, "The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898" sheds light on the evolving identity of the Philippines, highlighting the interplay of local traditions and Spanish influences.
Ed. Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson
Emma Helen Blair (1869-1951) was an American historian and author known for her significant contributions to Philippine history and also scholarship. Born on July 19, 1869, in Ohio, she pursued her education at Ohio Wesleyan University and later at Columbia University. Blair's passion for history and research led her to collaborate with James Alexander Robertson, an esteemed scholar, in editing and compiling "The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898" series. This monumental project spanned fifty-five volumes and covered the colonial history of the Philippines from the 16th to the 19th century. The comprehensive series showcased her expertise in meticulously examining and also presenting historical documents and narratives. Her work significantly contributed to a deeper understanding of the Philippines' complex past and its interactions with various colonial powers. Her commitment to historical accuracy and attention to detail earned her a reputation as a meticulous and reliable historian. Beyond her contributions to Philippine history, and main thing that Emma Helen Blair also authored "The Philippine Policy of Secretary Taft" and co-wrote "A History of the Philippine Islands" with Robertson. Both of these works further demonstrated her dedication to scholarship and the exploration of the Philippines' political and social developments.
James Alexander Robertson was born in Corry, Pennsylvania, in 1873. He was the sixth of eight children born to Canadian parents who became naturalized citizens of the United States after moving to Corry in 1866. His father, John McGregor Robertson, was a builder from Verulam, Ontario, close to Peterborough. His mother, Elizabeth Borrowman Robertson, immigrated to Canada as a child from her native Scotland. When Robertson was seven years old, his mother died. After three years, he and his family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where James finished his secondary education. In 1892, he enrolled in Adelbert College at Western Reserve University for graduate study. He studied in Romance languages, majoring in Old French, and received his Bachelor of Philosophy degree from Western Reserve University in 1896.
