This work, published in 1936 by Leopoldo Y. Yabes, is a pioneering historical and critical study of the literary tradition of the Iloko people, who primarily inhabit the narrow coastal strip of land in northern Luzon in the Philippines. The author, an Ilokano native, published the study to foster a deeper interest and appreciation for Philippine culture by acquainting non-Ilokanos with the development of Iloko letters. The survey traces the literature by centuries, covering everything from "floating literature" like folk songs and tales, to Spanish colonial religious and linguistic works, and through the emergence of modern Iloko poetry, drama, fiction, and journalism. The work is noted for being one of the first critical histories of the subject and includes a comprehensive bibliography of works pertaining to the Iloko people and their language compiled in collaboration with José Resurrección Calip. The book’s publication was partially supported by financial aid from a Swiss linguist, Dr. Renward Brandstetter, an act the author highlighted as unusual and unflattering to local Filipino elites at the time.
A brief survey of Iloko literature : From the beginnings to its present development, with a bibliography of works pertaining to the Iloko people and their language