Scholarly compilation of literary criticism that consists of five essays on the works of Eugenio María de Hostos, Alejandro Tapia y Rivera and Ramón Emeterio Betances three of the most prominent Puerto Rican writers of the XIX century. Eugenio María de Hostos (Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, 1839-Santo Domingo, 1903) was a Puerto Rican intellectual, educator, philosopher, liberator, and sociologist known as The American Citizen for his role in the fight for Puerto Rico independence and unity of the Antilles and Latin America as well as for his constant involvement and support for the importance of education for all citizens. Alejandro Tapia y Rivera (1826-1882) was a Puerto Rican dramaturge, essayist and writer. He is considered by many the father of Puerto Rican literature and as the person who contributed most significantly to the cultural advancement of Puerto Rico's literature. In addition to his writing, he was also an ardent abolitionist and advocated for women's rights. Ramón Emeterio Betances (April 8, 1827 - September 16, 1898) was a Puerto Rican independence advocate and medical doctor. He was the primary instigator of the Grito de Lares revolution and is considered to be the father of the Puerto Rican independence movement. Betances was also an abolitionist, diplomat, public health administrator, poet, and novelist.

Includes bibliographical references.