Manila, 1645

Before the mid-seventeenth century earthquakes, Manila was a bustling city with a diverse population and a complex history involving Spanish settlement, Chinese influence, and commercial routes. Manila, 1645 reconstructs this city's history, emphasizing its geographical and cultural context, and its impact on later cultural dialogues. It will appeal to students and scholars of early modern history, global history, and architectural history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Before the devastating earthquakes of the mid-seventeenth century, Manila was a thriving city with a rich and complex history. Reconstructing Manila's past provides valuable insights into the city's development and the factors that shaped it. In his book, Manila 1645: Urban Life and the Making of the Spanish Empire in Southeast Asia, historian Juan E. Valdez del Rio offers a comprehensive and multi-layered perspective on Manila's history.

Valdez del Rio emphasizes the importance of addressing the history of Southeast Asia as a multi-layered framework, rather than a series of entangled histories. By contextualizing Manila within Southeast Asia, he situates it between the Chinese and the Sulú Seas, at the center of commercial routes used by Armenian, Dutch, and Portuguese traders. This historical and geographical context is crucial to understanding later cultural dialogues and interactions.

The book delves into various aspects of urban life and the making of the Spanish Empire in Southeast Asia. It explores urban planning, housing, architecture, and social networks in the city. Valdez del Rio examines how these aspects evolved over time and how they were influenced by the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of the region.

One of the book's key strengths is its ability to bring together a wide range of sources and perspectives. Valdez del Rio utilizes a diverse array of primary sources, including archival documents, historical maps, and contemporary accounts, to provide a comprehensive understanding of Manila's past. He also incorporates the insights of scholars from various fields, including history, architecture, and cultural studies, to enrich his analysis.

Manila 1645: Urban Life and the Making of the Spanish Empire in Southeast Asia appeals to students and scholars interested in early modern history, global history, and architectural history. The book offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on Manila's history, challenging traditional narratives and providing a deeper understanding of the city's role in the broader context of Southeast Asian and global history.

In conclusion, Manila 1645: Urban Life and the Making of the Spanish Empire in Southeast Asia is a valuable contribution to the field of history. By offering a multi-layered and comprehensive perspective on Manila's past, the book sheds light on the city's development, cultural interactions, and the broader historical context of Southeast Asia. It is a must-read for students and scholars interested in early modern history, global history, and architectural history.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367557812