The Discovery of Brazil: A Journey Through History (eBook)

The Discovery of Brazil

Translated from Portuguese to English by Ana Santos

Introduction

The Discovery of Brazil is a pivotal chapter in history. The consecutive voyages to the West form a brilliant and indisputable documentation of the Portuguese priority in discovering America. However, there are other valuable documents that further support this claim, making it more concrete.

Exploring the Documents

The first conference of the series, organized by the Republican Portuguese Centre of São Paulo, highlights these key records. In 1472, after the death of Jácome de Bruges, Beatriz of Portugal granted João Vaz Côrte Real the captaincy of Terceira Island, near Angra. Additionally, she gave part of the coastline to Álvaro Martins.

In the donation letter, the following words are noted:

"I have been informed that the captaincy of the island of Terceira de Jesus Christ is vacant, as Jacome de Bruges is said to be deceased. I have instructed João Vaz to choose and administer this domain with the utmost care and diligence, mindful of its significance to our nation and the broader tapestry of exploration."

This act underscores the role of the Portuguese in the grand narrative of discovery. Consequently, Beatriz of Portugal entrusted João Vaz not just with Terceira Island but with a legacy intertwined with exploration.

Valuable Historical Documents

• The Royal Letter of May 12, 1500: This document further supports the priority of Portuguese discoveries in the Americas. Moreover, it provides critical insights into the official recognition of these explorations.

About the Author

Manuel Ferreira Garcia Redondo (1854–1916) was a distinguished Brazilian engineer, journalist, professor, short story writer, and playwright. As a founding member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters, he contributed significantly to the study of Portuguese exploration and colonization in the Americas.

Educational Background and Career

He studied at the University of Coimbra and the Polytechnic School of Rio de Janeiro. During his academic journey, he blended a passion for literature with deep historical and engineering knowledge. As a result, his works reflect both intellectual depth and cultural richness.

Notable Works

Some of his most significant contributions include:

• O Desfecho de um Desafio (The Outcome of a Challenge)
• Arminhos (Ermine)
• Mário (Drama)
• O Urso Branco (The White Bear)
• Viagens pelo país da ternura (Travels through the Land of Tenderness)

Garcia Redondo also led major engineering projects. For instance, he was involved in constructing the Guarani Theater in Santos and the Santa Casa Anna Cintra Hospital in Amparo.

Illustrators

The book features the work of two remarkable artists:

• Francisco Aurélio de Figueiredo e Melo (1859–1916): Known for historical illustrations capturing key Brazilian events.
• Oscar Pereira da Silva (1867–1939): A leading figure in Brazilian academic art, famous for his historical paintings.

Their artwork brings Garcia Redondo’s narratives to life. As a result, they showcase the rich tapestry of Portuguese exploration and The Discovery of Brazil.