Recent publications revisit historical episodes and their decisive figures
In non-fiction literature, recent publications revisit major historical episodes and their decisive characters – some central and memorable; others are also essential, but practically forgotten.
THE Stadium has selected five outings for history lovers, ranging from Edgar Morin’s synthetic look at the trajectory of humanity to the incisive portrait of Winston Churchill’s trajectory in the middle of the Second World War. Other works save the role of women in Brazilian history. Check it out:
“Lessons from History”, by Edgar Morin
French philosopher, sociologist and anthropologist Edgar Morin, aged 104, witnessed the horrors of war and economic crises of the 20th and 21st centuries, while studying civilizations of the most distant past. In this book, Morin brings together lessons from History, extracted from his experience, which allow us to understand the past and build the future. Based on a deep and personal reflection, the author condenses, in around a hundred pages, the journey of humanity from Antiquity to the present day.
- Publisher L&PM (104 pages; R$59.90; R$39.90 per e-book)
“The Winter of War”, by Joel Silveira
At the age of 26, Joël Silveira was sent by Related calendars to cover the Second World War in Europe. Between 1944 and 1945, he followed Brazilian actions until the German capitulation. Written like a logbook, the work, which is in a new edition, depicts the daily life of conflict, brutality and contradictions. The author recounts moments of fear and horror, but also of heroism and solidarity, in a story about dangerous investigative work considered a classic of Brazilian literary journalism.
- Editora Companhia das Letras (192 pages; R$99.90; R$39.90 for the e-book)
“Churchill’s War: 1940-1945” by Max Hastings
Journalist and historian Max Hastings paints a gripping and critical portrait of Winston Churchill, a politician from the army and an aristocratic family, since his arrival as Prime Minister in May 1940, at the darkest moment in British history. The biography follows the leader until the end of the war: at its peak, when he prevented the country from collapsing in the face of a defeat that seemed inevitable, and also during his decline in influence. Hastings exposes strategic errors, infighting, and political weaknesses, while emphasizing the public trust that helped Churchill support Britain during the war.
- Editora Intrínseca (624 pages; R$119.90; R$84.90 per e-book)
“Dona Leopoldina and the Travelers in Brazil”, by Robert Wagner
Arriving in Rio de Janeiro from Vienna in 1817, Empress Leopoldina brought with her Austrian and Bavarian naturalists, diplomats and artists to register Brazilian lands. She played an important role in the country’s independence, despite a personal life marked by suffering and an early death, at the age of 29. In this book, Wagner recounts, with historical rigor and suspense, palace intrigues, scientific expeditions, encounters with indigenous peoples and the exploration of natural resources, taking the reader through a decisive period in the formation of Brazil.
- Editora Capivara (452 pages; R$140)
“Visionaries: presence of women in the history of Pernambuco”, by Danielle Romani
The journalist combines historical research and illustration to reposition female figures at the center of the story of Pernambuco since the 16th century. With the aim of broadening the debate on memory, representation and erasures in Brazilian history, the work has been organized as a consultation dictionary. The book brings together 40 women: from well-known figures, such as Branca Dias, Dandara and Lia de Itamaracá, to others forgotten by traditional historiography. The project was published through the Pernambucano Culture Incentive Fund (Funcultura) and is available for free download.
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