Rizal: Filipino Nationalist and Patriot

by Austin Coates

José Rizal (1861-1896), Philippine poet and patriot, exact contemporary of Tagore and forerunner of Gandhi, died before a Spanish firing squad, aged 35. His writings inspired the Philippine Revolution of 1896-98, the earliest national uprising against a colonial power in Asia. But Rizal himself was eclipsed when the main scene of Asia's struggle for independence shifted from the Philippines to India. In his own country he continues to be revered as a national hero, and has had greater influence on his people than any other man.

The Spanish philosopher Unamuno described Rizal as the Tagalog Christ; and his life, while dedicated to his people, has a universal relevance. In Asia he stands with Sun Yat-sen, Gandhi and Tagore, as one who remoulded the thinking of a continent. But as Darwin and Frazer he transcends both country and continent. In the harmony of religious faith and scientific knowledge which his life demonstrates, he stands in Asia for what Renan and Teilhard de Chardin stand for in the West, with the difference that Rizal was killed for what he believed, the instigators of his death being Spanish friar missionaries out of touch with Catholic changes in Europe.

This, the first European biography of Rizal to be published since 1907, when Retana's Vida y Escritos del Dr. José Rizal appeared amid the national soul-searching of Spain's 'Generation of 1898', restores to the place he deserves one of the noblest figures Asia has ever produced.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography

378 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Karla Cristobal · Rating 3 out of 5]

While reading this for a mandatory Rizal course, I felt conflicted because Coates is a captivating writer--and undeniably so. I have to emphasize that the Rizal course is mandatory because I am thoroughly enjoying the way the Professor is handling it. And, I have to emphasize that this Coates book is a required text for the course, as well.
However, the conflicting emotions were there because Coates has this odd predestination argument which colors the whole narrative. Reading the book made me feel uncomfortable. Coates has this set of stock characteristics for every nationality, and this includes the Filipino, as well. I remember a part of his book, where he stressed the mysticism and the mystery of the Orient. As a Filipino, it made me narrow my eyes in disapproval. So this is what exoticism looks like.
I really do appreciate how he wrote. I really do appreciate how he used different sources to magnify and support his claims. Working on that framework, the book is a 3.5 (which Goodreads doesn't have, apparently). The book made me forget that this was one of the main texts for an exam.
I can't let the exoticized view of the Oriental and the Filipino go, though. And I can't let the predestination argument go, as well.

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

nilo ocampo’s translation was a nightmare to read

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novelistic in style at times. Happy I’ve finally gotten to read a whole narrative about one of my most admired revolutionary historical figures.

I’m recognizing now how Rizal was very much a reformist, who only came around to armed revolution at the very end of his career. Nevertheless, his pivotal role in arousing the consciousness of a nation is truly inspirational.

I’m kind of floored by how much work any biographer does to chronicle a person’s life, particularly those in who lived in previous centuries.

Admittedly, I am always wary of white folks writing about non-white histories, and I can’t speak critically about the balance of Austin Coates’ lens, but from personal feel, I didn’t get the sense of a overglorification of Rizal nor an overly white, eurocentric slant.

Excited to delve more into Andres Bonifacio, and many of the other revolutionary, radical figures in Philippine history.

[Tisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The brave recognize the brave.”

[Jay Dauz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book with all my heart. Rizal's biography was remarkable and in-depth. A treasure to find this at my university's library :)

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far, the best Rizal bio that I've ever read. Austin Coates handled historical facts with care and rendered historical analysis without the use of colored lenses (as opposed to the leftist leanings of Leon Ma. Guerrero in The First Filipino and the colonial bias of the Zaides towards their American sponsors). After reading this book, you'll never look at Rizal the same way again. This time the veneration comes with understanding!

Note to self: Recommended text in Philippine Institutions 100 (PI 100) or the Life and Works of Jose Rizal

[Jason Corminal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin CoatesRizal: Makabayan at Martir

[Laura Del Rosario · Rating 5 out of 5]

This by far is the best biographical account on Rizal’s life and legacy. As a Filipino, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to have read this in my lifetime.

[Kate Heather Faye Buenaventura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coates is a much, much better reference than the Zaides. There's a translated version of this, and I hope high schools would use it instead of the "politicized" one we were given way back then.

[Stephen Vinas]

Okay