José Rizal
Jose Rizal (1861-1896) was a Filipino writer, physician, and national hero, whose novels helped inspire the Philippine independence movement against Spanish colonial rule. A brilliant polymath — doctor, poet, artist, and linguist — he became the foremost voice of Filipino nationalism, and is honoured today as the national hero of the Philippines.
His two great novels, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) and its sequel El Filibusterismo, exposed the corruption and abuses of Spanish colonial and church authorities in the Philippines with courage and biting satire. Written in Spanish, they awakened national consciousness and are considered foundational works of Philippine literature.
Rizal advocated reform through peaceful means and education rather than violent revolution, yet the Spanish authorities saw him as a dangerous subversive. He was arrested and executed by firing squad in 1896 at the age of 35 — a martyrdom that helped ignite the revolution he had hoped to avoid.
Our editions present his powerful novels in clear modern English. Read the opening free, and read or listen with a membership.
José Rizal in the library · 5 works
Ang "Filibusterismo" (Karugtóng ng Noli Me Tangere)
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Audiobooks by José Rizal
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Frequently asked questions about José Rizal
What did Jose Rizal write?
Rizal is best known for his two novels, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed), which exposed the injustices of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. He also wrote essays, poems — including his famous farewell poem 'Mi Ultimo Adios' — and letters. The two novels are his defining and most influential works.
Where should I start with Rizal?
Start with Noli Me Tangere, his first and most famous novel, which introduces the story and its searing critique of colonial society. Its sequel, El Filibusterismo, is darker and more radical and follows naturally. His farewell poem, 'Mi Ultimo Adios,' written on the eve of his execution, is a moving short introduction to his spirit.
What is Noli Me Tangere about?
Noli Me Tangere follows Crisostomo Ibarra, an idealistic young man who returns to the Philippines with plans to improve his country, only to confront the corruption, cruelty, and hypocrisy of Spanish colonial and religious authorities. Through his story, Rizal exposes the abuses of the system and the suffering of the Filipino people. It became a rallying point for national awakening.
Why is Jose Rizal considered a national hero?
Rizal's writings gave voice to Filipino grievances under Spanish rule and awakened a sense of national identity, inspiring the movement for reform and independence. Though he favoured peaceful change, his execution by the Spanish in 1896 made him a martyr and galvanised the revolution. He is honoured throughout the Philippines as its foremost national hero.
What language did Rizal write in?
Rizal wrote his major novels in Spanish, the language of the colonial elite and of educated Filipinos of his time, so that his critique would reach those in power. His works have since been translated into Filipino, English, and many other languages. Reading them in clear modern English opens his powerful story to today's readers.
When did Jose Rizal live?
Rizal was born in 1861 and died in 1896, executed by firing squad at the age of 35. He wrote Noli Me Tangere in 1887 and El Filibusterismo in 1891, during the final decades of Spanish rule in the Philippines. His death helped spark the Philippine Revolution.
Where can I read Jose Rizal for free?
Rizal's novels are in the public domain and freely available in the original Spanish and in translation. Older translations can feel dated. Here you can read the opening free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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