Rizal's own story of his life by José Rizal

(4 User reviews)   411
Rizal, José, 1861-1896 Rizal, José, 1861-1896
English
Ever wonder what it was really like to be José Rizal, the man behind the national hero? This book isn't a history lesson—it's his life in his own words. Forget the statues and the textbook summaries. Here, Rizal writes about his childhood, his travels across Europe, and the slow burn of injustice under Spanish rule that turned a brilliant young man into a revolutionary. It’s a first-person account of how a person becomes a symbol, filled with personal doubts, fierce intelligence, and quiet moments that history books leave out. Reading this feels like sitting down with Rizal himself and asking, 'So, how did this all happen?'
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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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The Story

This is José Rizal telling you his story, from his earliest memories in Calamba to his final days. He writes about a happy childhood, his insatiable curiosity, and his family's struggles. The book follows his student years in Manila and then his epic journey to Spain and across Europe. You see his mind expanding as he studies medicine, writes his famous novels, and connects with other Filipinos dreaming of change. The narrative shows how his direct experiences with unfair Spanish policies and the suffering of his family and countrymen gradually shaped his ideas and his destiny.

Why You Should Read It

This book strips away the myth and lets you meet the man. You get his sense of humor, his moments of loneliness abroad, and his deep love for his family. It’s powerful to read his private thoughts on the very events that made him a legend. You see he wasn't born a hero; he was made by his circumstances, his education, and his refusal to stay silent. It makes his sacrifice feel more real and much more human.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone curious about Philippine history beyond the dates and names. If you've ever found Rizal's story distant or textbook-perfect, this book will change that. It’s also great for readers who enjoy personal diaries or memoirs of fascinating lives. You finish it not just knowing more about history, but feeling like you understand the person who helped shape it.



🔓 Open Access

This historical work is free of copyright protections. You do not need permission to reproduce this work.

Donna Nguyen
5 months ago

I came across this while researching and the tone remains consistent and professional throughout. This deserves far more attention.

Michael Williams
1 month ago

It’s rare that I write reviews, but the content remains relevant throughout without filler. This was both informative and enjoyable.

Jackson Moore
3 weeks ago

I’ve been searching for content like this and the author demonstrates strong mastery of the topic. A perfect companion for a quiet weekend.

Matthew Flores
5 months ago

Simply put, the presentation of ideas feels natural and engaging. An unexpectedly enjoyable experience.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (4 User reviews )

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