LET'S VISIT THE PHILIPPINES

by John C. Caldwell ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 13, 1961

In a series that has been uneven in interest and value, this is one of the best. John Caldwell seems to have avoided some of the pitfalls of the earlier books, and the fact that he has lived in the Philippines makes his interpretation of the country ring true. The introductory chapters set the picture, historically, geographically, geologically. One gets the feel of the mountains and the jungles, the climate and the tropical vegetation, the people, their language, religion and customs. Magellar somewhat by accident gave the people the initiation of Spanish rule which lasted some 400 years- and did little to make the people self sufficient. Then came fifty years of American rule, with schools and roads, cities modernized and the Filipinos prepared for self government. And now independence and progress, with setbacks and problems. The Communist Huk movement, the death of Magsaysay and retrogression from his progressive honest government, and the continued need of American economic support add up to difficulties that only time will solve. But the Philippines are still the best demonstration of the U.S.A.'s role as a colonial power.

Pub Date: Jan. 13, 1961

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: John Day

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 1960

Categories: NONFICTION