This collection of stories by Emma Helen Blair where she attempts to compile many of her classic thoughts consolidated in a single draft and offer them at an affordable price so that everyone can read them. some stories are interesting and amazing, while other softly creep up on you and pull you in. "The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 39," a pivotal entry in this expansive historical series, provides a detailed and insightful exploration of a specific period within the Philippines' complex history. Guided by the editorial expertise of Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson, this volume delves into a crucial era, enhancing our understanding of the archipelago's evolution from 1689 to 1691. Volume 39 opens a window into the late 17th century, a time when the Philippines experienced significant social, political, and economic developments under Spanish colonial rule. Through an array of primary sources, letters, and historical documents, readers gain a deeper appreciation of the interactions between Spanish colonizers and the indigenous populace, unveiling the challenges and opportunities that shaped this period of history. This volume serves as a valuable resource for historians, researchers, and those intrigued by the Philippines' historical trajectory.
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 The comprehensive series showcased her expertise in meticulously examining and also presenting historical documents and narratives.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.
