Brazil: A Biography

Brazil: A Biography is a bestselling book that explores the history and challenges of Brazil, from its origins to the twenty-first century. It highlights the country's diversity and the battles to create stable growth, legal norms, and protection for its citizens. Despite its failures, Brazil remains a fascinating and compelling story for both its inhabitants and outsiders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 800 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2019
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Brazil, a captivating and thought-provoking book, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Jabuti Prize for the Best Brazilian Book Published Abroad. Authored by two renowned Brazilian historians, this masterpiece delves into the rich and complex history of Brazil, spanning from its origins to the twenty-first century. With its vast geographical size, Brazil has been a source of fascination for Europeans since the 16th century, exhibiting both breathtaking beauty and grandeur and witnessing scenes of unimaginable European cruelty. The indigenous people of Brazil, who revolutionized European ideas about themselves, faced tragic consequences as they were subjected to extermination. For white settlers, Brazil offered endless opportunities, while imported black slaves endured a living hell.

Brazil: A Biography, a bestseller in Brazil itself, is a remarkable achievement in capturing the immense diversity and challenges of this vast country. It surpasses the size of the contiguous United States and remains in some regions unexplored. The book explores the continuous battles to establish political institutions and social frameworks that would promote stable growth, legal norms, and protection for all Brazilians. Regrettably, Brazil has faced tragic failures in achieving these goals, except for a brief period. However, even in the twenty-first century, Brazil remains a remarkable experiment, characterized by creativity, harshness, uniqueness, and a captivating story that resonates with both its inhabitants and outsiders.

The book delves into various themes, including the struggles to establish a stable political system, the challenges of social inequality, and the complex dynamics between different ethnic groups and cultures. It sheds light on Brazil's historical role in shaping global politics, from its involvement in the slave trade to its emergence as a major economic power. Brazil's rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, literature, and cuisine, is also explored, showcasing the country's vibrant and diverse artistic expressions.

Through its comprehensive and engaging narrative, Brazil: A Biography provides a deep understanding of the complexities and contradictions that define Brazil's history. It challenges preconceived notions and encourages readers to explore the country's rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in learning more about Brazil's past, present, and future.

In conclusion, Brazil: A Biography is a remarkable work of historical scholarship that offers a captivating and insightful journey through Brazil's history. Shortlisted for the Jabuti Prize, it showcases the country's immense diversity, challenges, and accomplishments. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Brazil and its role in global history.

Weight: 572g
Dimension: 197 x 131 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141976198