Rizal's own story of his life by José Rizal

(17 User reviews)   5238
By Ashley Gutierrez Posted on Dec 11, 2025
In Category - Wildlife
Rizal, José, 1861-1896 Rizal, José, 1861-1896
English
Ever wonder what the national hero of the Philippines was really thinking? Forget the statues and history books—this is José Rizal telling his own story. It’s a firsthand account from a man caught between worlds: a brilliant scholar in Europe, a loving son, and a writer whose novels would light the fuse for a revolution. The real conflict here isn't just against colonial rulers; it's inside Rizal himself. How do you fight for your country's freedom when you know your words could get you killed? This isn't a dry biography. It's a personal letter from the past, full of dreams, fears, and the quiet moments that shaped a legend. If you think you know Rizal, this book will make you think again.
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Hon. C. E. Yeater read and criticised the original manuscript. Miss M. W. Sproull revised the translations. Dean Francisco Benitez acted as pedagogical adviser. Miss Gertrude McVenn simplified the language for primary school use. Mr. John C. Howe adapted and arranged the music. Mr. Frederic H. Stevens planned the make-up and, in spite of wartime difficulties, provided the materials needed. Mr. Chas. A. Kvist supervised the production. Mr. C. H. Noronha, who, in 1897, in his Hongkong magazine Odds and Ends, first published Rizal's farewell poem "My Last Thought", was the careful and obliging proofreader. Assistant Insular Architect Juan Arellano, a colleague of the editor on the Dapitan Rizal national park committee, designed the sampaguita decorations. Mr. A. Garcia achieved creditable illustrations out of poorly preserved photographs whose historical accuracy has not been impaired by the slightest embellishment. And the entire establishment of Messrs. E.C. McCullough & Company--printers, pressmen and bookbinders--labored zealously and enthusiastically to do credit to the imprint: "Made in Manila--The Work of Filipinos". The Memory of Rizal is kept alive in many ways: 1. A province near Manila bears his name. 2. The anniversary of his death is a public holiday. 3. A memorial school has been built by the Insular Government in his native town. 4. His home in exile has been made a national park. 5. The first destroyer of the future Philippine navy is named "Rizal". 6. Rizal's portrait appears on the two-peso bill. 7. Rizal's portrait appears on the two-centavo postage stamp. ILLUSTRATIONS Page Rizal's pencil sketch of himself 1 Rizal at 14 4 Rizal's painting of his sister Saturnina 6 Rizal's portrait on Philippine postage and money 8 Rizal's home, Kalamba 12 Rizal's mother and two of his sisters 16 Clay model of dog and cayman combat 17 Where Rizal went to school in Biñan 18 Rizal monument, Biñan 24 Santa Rosa Gate, on Biñan-Kalamba road 26 Model of a Dapitan woman at work 28 Rizal's uncle 29 Rizal's uncle's home in Biñan 30 Guardia Civil soldier 31 Rizal's mother 33 Rizal's father 34 One of Rizal's teachers, Terracotta bust by Rizal 36 Padre Sanchez, Rizal's favorite teacher in the Ateneo 37 Carving of the Sacred Heart, made by Rizal in the Ateneo 44 Wooden bust of Rizal's father 45 Rizal at 18 48 Rizal's sacrifice of his life 57 Professor Burgos 58 The lake shore at Kalamba 60 A Manila school girl, drawn by Rizal 62 Rizal in Paris 64 Rizal at 30 66 Crayon portrait of Rizal's cousin Leonore 70 Dapitan plaza and townhall 80 Wooden medallion of Mrs. José Rizal 84 Chalk pipehead, Rizal's last modeling 86 Rizal at 27 90 Manila skyline, sketched by Rizal 92 Rizal at 22 104 Rizal at 24 106 Rizal at 26 108 Rizal at 28, from a group picture 110 Rizal at 28, profile 114 Rizal Mausoleum, Luneta, Manila 118 Noli Me Tangere manuscript-cover design, by Rizal 120 El Filibusterismo manuscript-cover, lettered by Rizal 121 Portrait of Rizal at time of finishing El Filibusterismo 121 Los Baños house where El Filibusterismo was begun, drawn by Rizal 121 Diploma of Merit awarded Rizal for allegory "The Council of the Gods" 123 Silver pen prize won by Rizal for poem "To Philippine Youth" 125 Alcohol lamp in which Rizal hid poem "My Last Thought" 125 CONTENTS Handwritten quote: It is commonly said that the life of a good writer is best read in his works. --Autographic quotation from Rizal. Page Rizal's Song "Hymn to Labor" 2 Rizal's Song "Maria Clara's Lullaby" 3 My Boyhood 13 My First Reading Lesson 49 My Childhood Impressions 59...

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This book is a collection of Rizal's own letters, diaries, and autobiographical writings, pieced together to let the man speak for himself. It starts with his childhood in Calamba, filled with family stories and early education, then follows him to Europe for his studies. We see him not just as a student, but as an artist, a doctor, and a writer coming into his own. The core of the story follows the creation of his famous novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and the growing storm of political trouble they caused. It leads right up to his exile in Dapitan and his final days.

Why You Should Read It

Reading this feels like sitting down with Rizal and hearing his side of things. You get the person behind the monument. He writes about his family with deep affection, shares his excitement over scientific discoveries, and confesses his loneliness and doubts. It makes his courage later on so much more powerful. You see his struggle: he believed in peaceful reform, but his words sparked a fire. This book shows the weight of that. It’s about the cost of speaking truth in a time of silence.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone curious about real people in history, not just the dates and events. If you've ever read his novels, this is the essential backstory. It’s also great for readers who enjoy personal journals or stories about finding your voice. It’s not a fast-paced adventure; it’s a thoughtful, sometimes intimate, look at how a national icon was made, one personal choice at a time.



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Kevin Anderson
10 months ago

After hearing about this author multiple times, the depth of research presented here is truly commendable. Worth every second.

Steven Taylor
1 year ago

I didn't expect much, but the clarity of the writing makes this accessible. I learned so much from this.

Lisa Scott
1 year ago

Without a doubt, it creates a vivid world that you simply do not want to leave. Definitely a 5-star read.

Emma Thomas
1 year ago

I came across this while browsing and the content flows smoothly from one chapter to the next. I couldn't put it down.

Sandra Lee
1 year ago

Finally found time to read this!

5
5 out of 5 (17 User reviews )

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