This is rather a hodge podge but is nevertheless informative in its reporting of the history, geography, and economy of the Philippines as well as its political and social life. First chapters are devoted to a survey of the islands' main features location, appearance, population and so forth. Then there is the history of their physical origin, settlement, conquest by the Spanish and the final road to independence under American tutelage. Dates and events are extensively described, along with the influences of each group on future Philippine life. Against this background there are the Philippines of today in all their variety- from small barrio life to the policies of Magsaysay. Reliable.