Inside the Palace Hardcover – September 10, 1987

If much of the American public has a similar awareness of International events as this reviewer, Imelda Marcos was a punchline. As in walking into one's wife's closet and looking at the volume of shoes, and teasing "Let's go shopping, Imelda!"Beth Day Romulo was an insider to the second half of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos' rule over the Philippines, and her account disabuses any attempt to poke light fun of this couple as overseers of Banana Republic.Ms. Romulo was a journalist who met her husband, General Romulo, a trusted and honorable advisor to the Marcos's and public servant, on assignment. Ms. Romulo had a front seat to the political machinations in this leadership, and gives an almost clinical view of the partnership that led this nation from the mid 1960's into the mid 1980's.Imelda Marcos was not formally educated, but shrewdly navigated the balance of power with her husband, who had been a Guerrilla fighter during and after the Second World War, and ascended to power under the illusion of being a common man. He was more tactical, and consumed strategic books and planned copiously on how to lead his country.Ms. Marcos was an extrovert, and fed off having people around her at all times. Keenly tuned into peoples needs and moods, the native beauty Ms. Marcos presented made her popular both domestically and Internationally.The couple set up a web of companies, real estate, and graft that was almost legendary in its breadth. Billions of pesos (and Dollars) flowed through the Palace into Carribbean and European untraceable bank accounts and shell companies. The couple propped political supporters and family members into corporate positions of power, and ownership, and millions of dollars were kicked back to the Marcos's.Ms. Marcos retained tremendous popularity as a legendary shopper, gift giver, tipper and spender. Being close to her became a cottage industry, and kept many hangers on living large lifestyles from her largess.President Marcos was more insulated from the public, and yet retained working relationships with the U.S., USSR and the Asian rim. Being a Democracy made the Phillipines a strategic stronghold for the West, and a target for the Communist Bloc.A fascinating look behind the scenes at the Marcos dynasty. I would have enjoyed more background on the Marcos ascent to power and the policy of their Governance. I am sure there is little shortage of writing on this subject.

Good condition