Brazil: An Interpretation

by Gilberto Freyre

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1945

About the author

Gilberto de Mello Freyre (Melo Freire, in the standard orthography; Mello Freyre is archaic and proscribed by law; March 15, 1900 – July 18, 1987) was a Brazilian sociologist, anthropologist, historian, writer and congressman. His best-known work is a sociological treatise named Casa-Grande & Senzala (variously translated, but roughly The Masters and the Slaves, as on a traditional plantation). Two sequels followed, The Mansions and the Shanties: the making of modern Brazil and Order and Progress: Brazil from monarchy to republic. The trilogy is generally considered a classic of modern cultural anthropology and social history, although it is not without its critics.

Reviews

[David Donoghue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning and complex

Comprehensive overview of the demographic, political, economic and geographic history of Brazil that seeks to define the unique current distinctive sociological mix and the allure of Brazil through the ages. Expertly and beautifully written.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10.

Freyre has some great information about the ethnic and racial foundations of Brazil, and how those various roots affect the country today.

[José Jiménez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tras leer Casa grande y senzala quise profundizar en la obra de Gilberto Freyre y decidí comenzar por aquí. Lo cierto es que no aporta mucho más que lo que se puede encontrar en su estudio sobre el nacimiento de la sociedad brasileña. Un libro interesante, pero sin más.