Encyclopedia Rizaliana

The "Encyclopedia Rizaliana " is one of the newest subject-specific encyclopedias in the English language. As the name suggests, it is published mainly for those who would like to know and learn more about the Philippines' foremost patriot, Dr. Jose Protasio Rizal: his life, his various works, and his past and continuing influences. It is, however, also sold in other countries as well, where Rizal had been and where he is highly esteemed. The maiden one-volume edition (2008) of the encyclopedia has about 700 articles, many of them of the short-entry variety (100 words or less) but some running to considerable length (the "comics by and about Rizal" article is over 300 words long with illustrations). The work's coverage of Philippine and World geography and history may be considered too short and pales in comparison to the works of Ambeth Ocampo. Written by nine contributors, the "Rizaliana" includes over 900 index entries, 150 cross-references, tables, maps, and black-and-white line art and color images. The contributors feel that they need not sign their specific contributions, and the references were incorporated within the articles.

General Editor and Publisher

The general editor, Prof. Jose Fadul, a U.P. Diliman graduate but currently based at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, was responsible for the general format of the work. He has also contributed substantially to the project itself. A review made mention that "the contributors, except for two or three, as virtually unknown in the academic field." It should be noted however that a number of other Rizal scholars and Rizalists were earlier invited and agreed to contribute, but they have died just months before the "Encyclopedia Rizaliana" project formally commenced [ [http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/02/01/OPED2006020155180.html Manila Bulletin Online ] ] [ [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=108399 Adrian E. Cristobal, public man of letters; 75 - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos ] ] .

The earlier online version of the "Encyclopedia Rizaliana", first introduced in June of 1998 through Homestead Technologies, has ceased to exist in 2002 [ [http://www.viloria.com/secondthoughts/archives/00000217.html Synopsis of El Filibusterismo - Secondthoughts - Viloria.com ] ] . This online version, like the latter print, is designed for high school and first-year college students along with public library users in Metro-Manila. It was once available to some libraries as CD-ROM intended for college students, with an accompanying workbook for the Course in Rizal.

Currently, "Encyclopedia Rizaliana" is printed and bound by the Lulu Press [ [http://books.google.com.ph/books?id=mpik3raHihIC&pg=PA1&lpg=PA1&dq=Encyclopedia+Rizaliana&source=web&ots=ISYFSGx7w6&sig=DF7vnhZbXMJd5JDFymgxnFcg1Zk&hl=tl Encyclopedia Rizaliana: Student Edition] , Google Books, retrieved 2008-04-24] , (a transnational company offering print-on-demand publishing and online order fulfillment) in paperback student edition and in casewrap-hardcover binding (i.e., a coffee-table edition). Copies of the two editions of the book were out as early December, 2007 but they were post-dated 2008. The cover is a photo-mosaic of a popular portrait of Rizal. The two said editions are also sold as Adobe PDF files which may be downloaded from the Lulu website.

Contributors to "Encyclopedia Rizaliana" maiden edition (2008)

* Rolando G. Talampas, Professor, University of the Philippines-Manila
* Ishmail Mohd. Hussin, Professor, Universiti Sains Malaysia
* Marcelino G. Catahan, Instructor, AMA Computer University
* Rolando Elan Maningas, Professor, Asia Pacific College and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
* Ma. Teresa G. Limson, Professor, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
* Sylvestre Maslang, Professor, Philippine Christian University
* John N. Posaran, Instructor, University of the Philippines-Manila
* Juergen Schoener, Order of the Knights of Rizal, Wilhelmsfeld-Heildelberg Chapter, Germany.
* Shimizu Ueda, Professor, Hiroshima University.

Notes

References

* Collison, Robert, "Encyclopedias: Their History throughout the Ages" (New York: Hafner, 1964).
* Walsh, S. Padraig, "Anglo-American General Encyclopedias: A Historical Bibliography, 1703-1967" (New York: Bowker, 1968).

See also

* List of encyclopedias