Lilia Moritz Schwarcz Brazil: A Biography Paperback Book

Shortlisted for the Jabuti Prize for the Best Brazilian Book Published AbroadEngrossing ... eyeopening ... an enormously refreshing treat Dominic Sandbrook, Sunday TimesSince Europeans first reached Brazil in 1500 it has been an unfailing source of extraordinary fascination. More than any other part of the New World it displayed both the greatest beauty and grandeur and witnessed scenes of the most terrible European ferocity. Its native people both revolutionized Europes ideas of itself and were then subject to extermination. For white settlers Brazils opportunities seemed endless, for imported black slaves it was a hell on earth. Brazil A Biography, written by two of Brazils leading historians and a bestseller in Brazil itself, is a remarkable attempt to convey the overwhelming diversity and challenges of this huge country larger than the contiguous USA and still in some regions not fully mapped from its origins to the twentyfirst century. The books major themes are the nearcontinuous battles to create both political institutions and social frameworks that would allow stable growth, legal norms and protection for all its citizens. Brazils failure to achieve these except in the very short term has been tragic, but even in the 21st century it remains one of the worlds great experiments creative, harsh, unique and as compelling a story for its inhabitants as for outsiders. | Lilia Moritz Schwarcz Brazil: A Biography Paperback Book