Books to know the history of Portugal

The Portuguese: The land and its people, by Marion Kaplan (Viking, 2006), is one of the best studios in the country. The work covers the history of Portugal all the way from its Arab origins of the country to its maritime empire and into the chaotic 20th century. It also provides travel information and analyzes politics, economics, literature, art, and architecture.

Another imposing book, Travel to Portugal: In Search of Portuguese History and Culture, is a compelling work of the Nobel Prize Winner, Jose Saramago, who traveled through his country to obtain a "new way" of feeling the history of Portugal and the culture. From that personal search, he created this monumental work.

As for the history books, David Birmingham stands out, capturing the history of Portugal. Another version of the same theme is Portugal: A history of company, by José H. Saraiva.

One of Portugal's most beloved writers, Eca de Queirós, wrote in the 19th century. Several of his best-known stories have been translated into English, in particular  Maias, the illustrious house of Ramires (New Directions, 1994). Queirós (1845-1900) was the most realistic Portuguese novelist of his time, and his works were admired by Emile Zola in France. The Maias is the best known and best of his works.

Another recommended work is The return of the Caravels, by António Lobo Antunes, an unusual novel set in 1974. It brings us the history of Portugal as an imperial power by "collective memory", as Vasco da Gama, Cabral, and other explorers return to Lisbon, anchoring their small but significant ships alongside the oil giants of today.

José Saramago, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, is one of the best novelists in present-day Portugal. His Baltasar and Blimunda It is a magical tale of a flying machine and the construction of Mafra Palace - it is a delightful read.

And if it comes to wines, the best book is by Richard Mayson with The Port and the Douro. This is comprehensive, articulate, and intriguing work. You learn the history of the port from the XNUMXth century through modern methods of bottling wine today.