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Doctrina Christiana
The first book printed in the Philippines, Manila, 1593.
"Doctrina Christiana" by Edwin Wolf is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The text serves to illuminate the significance of this volume, recognized as the first book printed in the Philippines in 1593. The work sheds light on the printing methods used, the bibliographical history surrounding the book's creation, and the religious teachings contained within it, primarily focused on the fundamentals of Christianity as conveyed to the native population. The opening of "Doctrina Christiana" discusses the arduous journey to locate this seminal work, engaging readers in a narrative that resembles a scholarly detective story. It outlines the book’s physical characteristics, including details about its contents, such as essential Christian prayers and teachings presented in both Spanish and Tagalog. Wolf introduces four main topics for investigation: the physical description, bibliographical history, authorship, and the printing methods employed, ensuring that readers not only appreciate the book's historical value but also its role in the cultural and religious education of the Filipinos during the Spanish colonization.