Philippine Progress Prior to 1898: A Source Book of Philippine History to Supply a Fairer View of Filipino Participation and Supplement the Defective Spanish Accounts

A historical account published in the early 20th century. This sourcebook provides an in-depth examination of the Philippines' social, economic, and political history before American intervention, focusing on the Filipino people's contributions often overlooked in contemporary historical narratives. The book aims to present a more balanced view of Philippine history by highlighting the participation and resilience of Filipinos throughout various historical periods. The opening of this work sets the stage for a critical reevaluation of Philippine history, addressing the biases present in earlier accounts that predominantly accentuated Spanish perspectives. The authors explain the purpose and structure of the sourcebook, which is divided into two volumes covering topics such as the industrial development of the Old Philippines, the Filipinos' roles prior to Spanish colonization, and the first impressions of foreign visitors. The introduction emphasizes the need for recognizing the complexities of Filipino history and acknowledges several Filipino intellectuals and historical figures who contributed to the scholarly understanding of the nation's past.