The Fateful Years Japan's Adventure in the Philippines, 1941-45, (Volume One) (Reprint) by Teodoro A. Agoncillo

Opening his study of the Japanese occupation with a brief survey of Japan's rise to power, the author sketches the events of 1941, which ultimately led to Pearl harbor, with the bold strokes of a trained painter. He narrates and describes the steps taken by the American and Philippine governments to prepare the Filipinos for a total war that nobody liked but which everybody feared would come with an impact of tremendous proportions. Basing his account of the war years mostly on primary sources and on his personal observation and experience, Mr. Agoncillo portrays in vivid narrative the fall of Bataan and Corregidor, the passion and cavalry of the USAFFE, and the tragic life at Camp O' Donnell. To be a part of the story and at the same time to be its narrator and interpreter is extremely hazardous and difficult. Mr. Agoncillo has successfully hurdled this difficulty. Although narrating and describing the events from the Filipino viewpoint, he nevertheless and describing the events from the Filipino, he nevertheless tries to understand the "other side" and gives credit where it is due. He spares neither the Japanese nor the American and Filipino guerrillas who, he believes, exceeded their enthusiasm in espousing antagonistic causes.
A Philippine import. Limited copies available.

ISBN/ISSN: 978-97-1-542274-1
Publisher: University of the Philippines (2010)
Pages: 498 pages
Size: 6x9
Weight: 730g