"The book places the exchange (1892-93) within the larger battle between the Enlightenment and Roman Catholicism. Though the principal theater was Europe, the repercussions were worldwide. Taking place in a remote corner of the dying Spanish empire, the correspondence represents a clash not only of ideas but of two cultures. Its significance lies in Rizal's role in Philippine history. Eschewing the polemicism that has often attended treatment of Rizal's conflict with the Church, the author offers a fresh critique from perspectives afforded by Vatican II and by distance in time." "Published in this volume for the first time are Rizal's original letters, unearthed from Spanish archives. The English translation of the Correspondence affords the modern reader access to the debate on burning religious questions, which in the late nineteenth century, were inextricably linked with political and social issues."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved