About this product

José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, was a prolific writer, and his literary works played a crucial role in the country's struggle for independence. His most famous works, *Noli Me Tangere* (1887) and *El Filibusterismo* (1891), exposed the abuses of the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic Church. These novels fueled the growing nationalist movement and inspired Filipinos to seek reform and, later, revolution. Rizal also wrote numerous essays, poems, and articles advocating for education, human rights, and political reforms, which were published in newspapers like *La Solidaridad*.

Aside from his novels, Rizal also produced important scholarly and scientific works. He was a polymath, contributing to fields such as medicine, anthropology, and linguistics. His studies on Philippine history and culture, including his annotations of Antonio de Morga’s *Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas*, challenged the Spanish narrative of Filipino inferiority. Through his writings, Rizal aimed to instill a sense of national identity and pride among Filipinos while promoting peaceful reforms rather than violent revolution.

However, Rizal's writings ultimately led to his persecution by the Spanish authorities. He was arrested and exiled to Dapitan in 1892, where he continued his educational and medical work. Despite his nonviolent stance, he was accused of inciting rebellion and was executed by firing squad on December 30, 1896. His death cemented his legacy as a martyr for Philippine independence, and his literary works remain influential in shaping the nation's history and identity.