The Little Gods: A Masque of the Far East

By Rowland Thomas

In the hush of dawn along Manila's old streets, ancient beliefs linger beneath the pulse of modernity, and destinies are shaped by the unseen hands of tradition and change. Here, the boundaries between East and West blur, inviting readers into a world where cultural identity narratives unfold with both tenderness and irony. Composed in the early 1900s, these short stories from the Philippines capture the complex dance between colonial influence and indigenous spirit, offering a rare window into the aspirations, humour, and heartache of a society in transition. The collection's tales, imbued with eastern mysticism literature and the sharp observation of early 20th century fiction, remain as resonant today as when they first appeared, revealing the enduring struggles and joys of everyday life in a land poised between worlds. For decades, this book was out of print and its evocative explorations of historical fiction in the Philippines all but forgotten. Now, republished by Alpha Editions, it has been restored for today's and future generations, allowing a new audience to experience its rich tapestry of cultural exploration fiction. Each story deftly weaves together the subtle tensions of eastern western cultural themes, inviting reflection on the universal search for belonging and meaning. The author's keen insight into the Filipino psyche and the nuanced interplay of tradition and progress make these works essential reading for anyone fascinated by Philippine literature or the broader currents of world fiction. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously brought back to life for both casual readers and classic-collection enthusiasts. Whether you are drawn to the delicate storytelling of Rowland Thomas short stories or the broader landscape of historical fiction in the Philippines, these pages offer a luminous journey through time and place, preserving a vital piece of literary heritage for all who seek to understand the soul of a nation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9374121352
• ISBN13: 9789374121351
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Alpha Edition
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"