The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898: Volume 32, 1640 Explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the close of the nineteenth century.

"The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898: Volume 32, 1640" by Diego Aduarte is a rich tapestry woven with threads of history, religion, and exploration, which transports readers to the 17th-century Philippines. From the islands' initial encounters with European powers to the deep-rooted Catholic missions of the Spanish Dominicans, the book reveals the complex interplay of political, economic, and religious forces. It recounts the remarkable journeys of Dominican missionaries, documenting everything from their trials in converting native populations to their ultimate sacrifice. The focus is on the dedication of people like Fray Luis, whose stories of faith and perseverance against persecution highlight the spread of Christianity in the region. The narrative is seasoned with tales of miracles and martyrdoms, presenting a vibrant picture of the Dominican order's efforts in the Philippine Islands.