where did rizal find a copy of morga’s work?
Where did Rizal find a copy of Morga’s work?
Answer:
Dr. José Rizal, the Filipino nationalist and reformist, found a copy of Antonio de Morga’s historical work titled “Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas” (Events in the Philippine Islands) in the British Museum. This significant event played a crucial role in Rizal’s campaign to highlight the pre-colonial history and culture of the Philippines, as well as the abuses of the Spanish colonizers.
-
Discovery at the British Museum:
- During his travels in Europe, specifically in London, Rizal spent considerable time in various libraries. It was in the British Museum’s library where he encountered Morga’s seminal work.
- He meticulously studied and annotated the book, understanding it as a valuable source of information that contrasted the narrative propagated by the Spanish colonizers about Filipino society and history.
-
Importance of Morga’s Work:
- Antonio de Morga was a Spanish lawyer and colonial official who wrote “Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas” in 1609. His work provided a detailed account of the Philippines from the perspective of someone who lived through the initial stages of Spanish colonization.
- Rizal believed that Morga’s work, being a firsthand account, would provide an authentic and relatively unbiased portrayal of Filipino society during the early years of Spanish colonization.
-
Annotated Edition:
- Rizal not only read Morga’s work but also produced an annotated edition, adding his own commentary and insights. This edition was aimed at revealing the richness and sophistication of pre-colonial Filipino culture and governance.
- He carefully highlighted parts of the original text that demonstrated the negative impact of Spanish colonization on the Filipino people and debunked some of the colonial myths perpetuated by Spanish writers.
-
Publication:
- In 1890, Rizal published his annotated edition of Morga’s “Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas” in Paris. The publication was part of his broader effort to rewrite Philippine history from the perspective of Filipinos and to inspire his compatriots to take pride in their heritage.
- The annotated edition served as both a scholarly work and a revolutionary tool, fostering national consciousness and historical awareness among Filipinos.
Final Answer:
Dr. José Rizal found a copy of Antonio de Morga’s “Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas” at the British Museum in London. He studied and annotated this historical work, which later became a critical piece in his campaign for Filipino nationalism and historical accuracy.