'It is simply the best general introduction to the early history of the Spanish Philippines available and also one of the best and most vivid English-language contributions to the history of the age of exploration.' International Journal of Maritime History 'I strongly recommend this exemplary, first full-length study of Hernando de los RĆos Coronel, whom John Crossley proves was highly important to the early history of his adopted community, and thus rescues from oblivion.' Parergon 'Until recently, there has been very little academic attention paid to early Spanish activity in the Pacific in general and even less focusing specifically on the Philippines, despite its long and influential history. This is thus an important book which will no doubt find an honored place in the starved corpus of works focusing on the Spanish Philippines in the Siglo de Oro.' Terrae Incognitae 'Availing himself of the more than two hundred documents related to the religious, political, and scientific activities of de los RĆos Coronel located in the Archivo General de las Indias, de los RĆos Coronels derroteros or sea logs of his various sea voyages and experiences, and his 1621 Memorial, Crossleys account is part biography, part travel narrative, as he tracks the life and activities of Hernando de los RĆos Coronel from Spain to the Philippines and back again several times.' Sixteenth Century Journal '... his narrative helps the reader to imagine what the world, Empire, and colony must have looked like on a very human level. Things that are often downplayed in non-biographical history texts - e.g. Manilas weather patterns, the long and difficult journey to the islands, and personal friendships and rivalries - are seamlessly braided into the story of the colony alongside the more obvious subjects of Chinese revolts, the exploitation of indigenous peoples, the foundation of religious schools, etc ... Crossleys approach, analysis and attention to detail prove him to be
