Manuel Quezon, the Philippines' most revered hero, dedicated his life to the cause of his country's independence. Born in a primitive and isolated village, he became a celebrated lawyer, a daring guerrilla leader, a brilliant legislator and diplomat and the first president of the Philippines.

While he fought against American dominance of his people, first in the jungles, then in the Filipine senate and finally in the halls of the U.S. Congress, he remained a fervant admirer of American ideals. After many setbacks, his faith was rewarded when the United States guaranteed Filipine independence, and began to help the islands prepare for it. Quezon was now the leader of his country, a dashing, elegant figure with a beautiful wife, immense popularity and vast energy and ability.

As he was putting the finishing touches on the blueprints for final independence, the Japanese invaded, and Quezon was forced to retreat to the besieged island fortress of Corregidor. After a daring escape, he reached the United States, where he continued to work for the liberation of his country.

Manuel Quezon died in exile, a tragic victim of tuberculosis, only months before his beloved islands achieved their independence. His living monument is the proud young nation he helped to build.

From the dust jacket