"The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 30" is part of a comprehensive historical series edited by Emma Helen Blair. This volume offers a vivid exploration of the Philippines during the period from 1609 to 1616, a crucial era in the archipelago's history. This book has been deemed a classic and has been a great collection of ideas that are comprehended into a single draft to read by readers of several age groups. Readers are compelled to continue reading to find out what happens next since the title character is so indulgent. Some stories are gruesome and bizarre, while others softly creep up on you and pull you in. The book provides valuable insights into the social, political, and economic dynamics of this period, shedding light on the interactions between Spanish colonizers and the indigenous people of the Philippines. Emma Helen Blair, a prominent historian, and editor, collaborated with other scholars to compile this series, which spans a wide range of topics related to the Philippines' past. Volume 30 delves into the establishment of Spanish colonial rule, the challenges faced by the Spanish authorities, and the cultural exchange between the colonial powers and the local communities. It discusses the early interactions, conflicts, and the efforts to establish control over the islands.
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 The comprehensive series showcased her expertise in meticulously examining and also presenting historical documents and narratives.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.
