An irreverent take on the history of CNMI

There’s a new book out on the history of the Commonwealth but, before you shrug and think, “One more stodgy stuff to go through,” I must quickly disabuse you of such a grossly mistaken notion.

A Pictorial History of the Northern Mariana Islands, Part 1, written and illustrated by Beverly Battaglia, is a funny, irreverent book that is a wealth of not just knowledge but also tons of witty asides, clever dialogue, and illustrations that makes it look more like a comic book than a stuffy treatise on the history of the Mariana islands.

Altogether an impressive debut, Battaglia has managed to produce a book that cleverly uses deadpan humor to teach and instruct, beginning with the pre-historic period of the Northern Marianas up to the end of the German Administration in the early 1900s and the Japanese invasion in 1914.

The slim volume—about 47 pages—barely hints at the amount of research Battaglia must have put into producing this cartoon rendition of NMI history. Obviously aimed at younger readers, the author pares the islands’ history into the bare bones without sacrificing crucial details, and the laugh-out-loud repartee that accompanies the illustration manages to infuse the humor needed to leaven the dry, arid facts.

Battaglia, a history teacher on Tinian, was first inspired to write the book some 10 years ago. “She was immediately fascinated by the rich past of the Marianas Islands, a history unmentioned in most social studies texts,” according to a quote taken from her book.

“Eager to learn more, she read the available books and literature on the islands, toured Guam, Saipan, Rota, Tinian, and Pagan, hiked the jungles, and listen to tales that were told to her. She then started writing the book two years ago and had it published early this year,” it said.

Interviewed at home on Tinian via telephone, Battaglia said, “I’m excited something that’s near to my heart has finally come about. I enjoyed it and I hope other people, too. I was fun to write and I’m pleased at how it came out.”

“I took NMI history classes with historian Don Farrell, so I have learned many things from him. I also spoke to some archeologists and residents about some stories like ghosts and spirits,” she added.

Battaglia is now working on Part 2 of the book (“on the off chance that more than family and friends might actually buy Part 1”), which will cover the Japanese administration, World War II, Trust Territory Times, the Covenant, and the Constitution.

Battaglia has been living on Tinian with her husband, daughter, and four cats since 1989. They will be moving to Placerville, California on July 5.

Battaglia was born and raised in California. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science and a Masters Degree in American Social History at California State University, Chico.

This is her first book and it is available at the Northern Marianas College bookstore and the CNMI Museum along Middle Road next to Sugar King Park. [B][I](with Jacqueline Dela Cruz)
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