"Uncovering Hidden History The Discovery of Jose Rizal's Mislabeled Letter in Vienna

Uncovering Hidden History The Discovery of Jose Rizal's Mislabeled Letter in Vienna

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, an Austrian academic has unearthed a previously unknown letter from Dr. Jose Rizal, a celebrated Filipino polymath and national hero, hidden among documents at the Vienna City Library. The Philippine Embassy in Austria has confirmed that the library had incorrectly attributed the letter's authorship to Jose Kisz, due to an inability to decipher the signature.

The Discovery

According to reports, Austrian academic D. Johann Stockinger, president of the Austro-Philippine Society, was conducting a thorough review of documents at the Vienna City Library when he stumbled upon Rizal's 1887 letter to Johannes Nordmann, an Austrian writer and propagandist. The library had catalogued the letter as coming from José Kisz, but Stockinger immediately recognized it as a genuine piece of correspondence from Rizal.

Historical Context

The letter was written in German, responding to receiving Nordmann's book, Spring Nights in Salamanca. This letter was sent to Rizal in Geneva after they met in Vienna while Rizal was traveling with fellow Filipino and member of the Propaganda Movement, Dr. Maximo Viola.

Significance

This discovery is significant not only because it sheds new light on Rizal's correspondence but also highlights the importance of accurate cataloging and preservation of historical documents. The mislabeling of the letter as coming from Jose Kisz underscores the need for meticulous attention to detail in archival work, ensuring that future generations can accurately appreciate and learn from the past.

Conclusion

The discovery of Jose Rizal's mislabeled letter in Vienna serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of preserving our shared history. As we move forward into the future, it is crucial that we prioritize the accurate cataloging and preservation of historical documents to ensure that future generations can learn from and appreciate the past.

Keywords Jose Rizal, Vienna City Library, Austro-Philippine Society, Johannes Nordmann, Propaganda Movement

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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