where to begin: Brazilian history

January 2, 2018 10:26 AM

I have the standard American liberal arts education. I have come to realize that it is pretty lacking in certain areas. I'd like to read more history, specifically of Brazil. Where do I start?

5.5 years ago

posted by Shohobohaum Za to Society & Culture (5 answers total)

I found Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano to be very influential when I was an undergrad. It's a bit similar to reading Zinn's People's History.

For an easy to digest capsule history, I also sometimes just read the history section of a travel book like Lonely Planet or Moon.
posted by vunder at 12:13 PM on January 2, 2018 [1 favorite]

The Brazilians
Brasil Nunca Mais (available in English as "'Torture in Brazil")
posted by stinker at 12:31 PM on January 2, 2018

If you need more options, a search for "site:edu syllabus brazilian history" turns up a wide range of texts that specialists thought might be useful for beginners.
posted by Wobbuffet at 5:06 PM on January 2, 2018 [1 favorite]

A Death in Brazil by Peter Robb
posted by Morpeth at 5:46 PM on January 2, 2018 [1 favorite]

For recent history, Bryan McCann's book The Throes of Democracy: Brazil since 1989 is very readable and helpful.

Also, his book Hello, Hello Brazil is about radio and popular music in 20th century Brazil. It is terrific.
posted by umbú at 9:35 PM on January 2, 2018 [1 favorite]