Description: "Adam Burns explores the American imperial venture in the Philippines through the lens of a single individual: William Howard Taft. Taft held a number of positions (head of the second Philippine Commission, first US civil governor of the islands, US Secretary of War, and US president) which mark him out from others in the period as an individual of unparalleled influence over US-Philippine policy during its formative years. Although initially a skeptic of imperialism, Taft came to believe that the best course for US-Philippine relations was a permanent imperial bond much like the relationship between Great Britain and Canada or Australia at the time. Based largely on personal correspondence and other primary documentation, this books researches in great depth Taft and his views on empire-building from 1900 to 1921, when Taft was appointed to the Supreme Court"--
Review Quotes: "This concise book examines the political career of William Howard Taft based around one issue: his support for continued U.S. rule in the Philippines.... Anyone looking to understand the thinking of a leading figure in the early history of U.S. overseas empire would benefit from reading Burns's portrait of Taft's imperial career."--Journal of Arizona History
"The book... benefits from exhaustive research and sound conclusions. Moreover, it is a valuable addition to the literature on one of the most under-appreciated presidents of our history"--Presidential Studies Quarterly
"Burns has written a commendable book. It is briskly written, sensibly argued, and well researched in the existing literature as well as in newspapers, public documents, and manuscript collections at the Library of Congress... the book demonstrates that Taft was both a serious actor on Philippine matters and a politician of great determination and modest skill. William Howard Taft and the Philippines provides a valuable perspective on an important chapter of a consequential life."--Ohio History