Jose Rizal

The global history of liberalism has paid too much attention to the West, neglecting the contributions of liberals from colonial nations. This book mines the thought of Filipino propagandist and novelist, Jose Rizal, to present a vision of liberalism for the colonized. It is both an introduction to Rizal and a treatise on rights, freedom, and tyranny in colonial contexts. Though a work on history, it responds to the illiberal present of rising authoritarianism and populism.

What did Jose Rizal eat? What food did he write about? Did he hunger for bagoong or mango jam while overseas? This book shares stories collected from Rizal’s autobiography, works penned by him, biographies written about him by admirers, interviews of people who knew him, and accounts written about the Philippines, Europe, and Hong Kong during his lifetime. As it gives glimpses into the man’s everyday life, this little tome reveals sacrifices made to keep patriotic advocacies his priority. Rizal’s nobleness and supreme sacrifice for his love of Filipinas becomes all the more worthy of never-ending praise.