Alexandre Herculano   By: Jaime de Magalhães Lima (1859-1936)

Alexandre Herculano, written by Jaime de Magalhães Lima, is a detailed and insightful biography of one of Portugal's most important historical figures. The author provides a thorough examination of Herculano's life, from his early days as a writer and historian to his later political career.

Lima does an excellent job of capturing the complexity of Herculano's character, shedding light on his intellectual prowess, his political beliefs, and his personal struggles. The book delves into Herculano's contributions to Portuguese literature, his staunch defense of liberal ideals, and his role in shaping the country's cultural and political landscape.

What sets this biography apart is the author's ability to contextualize Herculano's life within the broader historical and social contexts of 19th-century Portugal. Through detailed research and analysis, Lima paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs faced by Herculano, making the reader feel as though they are experiencing the tumultuous events of the time alongside him.

Overall, Alexandre Herculano is a captivating and informative read that offers valuable insights into the life and legacy of one of Portugal's most influential figures. Lima's engaging writing style and meticulous attention to detail make this biography a must-read for anyone interested in Portuguese history or literature.

First Page:

Um paladino illuminado e moço, intemerato no ardor da juventude e na exaltação da crença que nem o martyrio lograria dominar ou perverter, sonhou a redempção da patria desolada pelas guerras, pela fome, pela oppressão de tyrannias ávidas e corruptas, por hypocrisias sordidas e degradações monstruosas. Sonhou dias de luz e de ventura, de liberdade e de paz, de boa vontade entre os homens, de trabalho honesto, de civismo austero e de religião sublimada, formosura e virtude, o resgate da miseria desalentada e tenebrosa em que se afundava um povo, outrora são e justamente altivo e agora debatendo se por se salvar e erguer dos abysmos em que a desventura o havia precipitado. E o paladino partiu a conquistar para a patria a fortuna revelada em visões de claridade; e armou se soldado, transpondo para exercitos do mundo aspirações divinas, a todos os perigos sujeitando a existencia ephemera, sem que algum fosse capaz de lhe turvar a fé... Continue reading book >>