Originally written in Spanish, the book is more commonly published and read in the Philippines in either Tagalog or English. Together with its sequel, El filibusterismo (Grade 10), the reading of Noli is obligatory for high school students (Grade 9) throughout the country. The two novels are widely considered the national epic of the Philippines and are adapted in many forms, such as operas, musicals, plays, and other forms of art.
Convinced with the worth of the novel and its purpose, Viola funded the cost of the publication himself, an initial 2000 copies of the novel were printed in 1887. In deep gratitude, Rizal gave him the galley proofs and the first published copy.
