For two hundred and seventy years, the House of Braganza provided the kings and queens of Portugal. During a period of momentous change, from 1640 to 1910, this influential family helped to establish Portuguese independence from their powerful Spanish neighbors and saved the monarchy and government from total destruction by the marauding armies of Napoleon. The Braganzas also ruled the vast empire of Brazil from 1822 to 1889, successfully creating a unified nation and preventing the country from splitting into small warring states. In his fascinating reappraisal of the Braganza dynasty, Malyn Newitt traces the rise and fall of one of the world’s most important royal families. He introduces us to a colorful cast of innovators, revolutionaries, villains, heroes, and charlatans, from the absolutist Dom Miguel to the “Soldier King” Dom Pedro I, and recounts in vivid detail the major social, economic, and political events that defined their rule. Featuring an extensive selection of artworks and photographs, Newitt’s book offers a timely look at Britain’s “oldest ally” and the role of monarchy in the early modern European world.
Embark on an Epic Historical Journey in "Don Sebastian" by Anna Maria Porter Prepare to be swept away by the captivating tale of love, honor, and intrigue in "Don Sebastian" by the talented author Anna Maria Porter. In this enthralling historical romance, Porter transports readers to a tumultuous era of political upheaval and passionate romance, where loyalty is tested, alliances are forged, and destinies are entwined. Immerse Yourself in a Rich Tapestry of History Set against the backdrop of the House of Braganza, "Don Sebastian" plunges readers into the heart of 17th-century Europe, where the fate of nations hangs in the balance and power struggles rage on the battlefield and in the corridors of power. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous research, Porter brings this tumultuous period to life, capturing the sights, sounds, and emotions of an era defined by war, intrigue, and romance. As readers follow the twists and turns of the plot, they will encounter a cast of unforgettable characters—from dashing heroes to cunning villains, from noble ladies to scheming courtiers—all caught up in the sweeping drama of history. Experience Passion and Intrigue At the heart of "Don Sebastian" lies a tale of forbidden love and forbidden desires, as the eponymous protagonist navigates the treacherous waters of courtly politics and romantic entanglements. Against the backdrop of war and upheaval, Sebastian must confront his own inner demons and wrestle with the demands of duty and honor, even as he finds himself drawn inexorably to the one woman who holds the key to his heart. Why "Don Sebastian" Is a Must-Read Historical Romance: Compelling Characters: Anna Maria Porter's skillful characterizations breathe life into a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations, desires, and secrets. Intriguing Plot: With its blend of romance, adventure, and political intrigue, "Don Sebastian" offers readers a captivating narrative that will keep them guessing until the very end. Rich Historical Detail: Porter's meticulous attention to historical detail immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of 17th-century Europe, bringing the past vividly to life. Timeless Themes: At its core, "Don Sebastian" explores timeless themes of love, loyalty, and honor, making it a story that resonates across generations.Don't miss your chance to journey back in time and experience the drama and romance of "Don Sebastian" by Anna Maria Porter. Whether you're a history buff, a romance enthusiast, or simply a lover of great storytelling, this captivating novel is sure to sweep you off your feet and leave you longing for more.
Reproduction of the original. The publishing house Megali specialises in reproducing historical works in large print to make reading easier for people with impaired vision.
Embark on an Epic Journey with Anna Maria Porter's Historical Romance 'Don Sebastian: Or, The House of the Braganza' Prepare to be swept away by the thrilling conclusion of Anna Maria Porter's captivating historical saga, 'Don Sebastian: Or, The House of the Braganza, Volume 4.' Join the characters you've come to love and admire as they navigate the tumultuous events of Portuguese history, where love, loyalty, and intrigue collide in a tale of epic proportions. Experience the Drama and Intrigue of Portuguese History In 'Don Sebastian,' Anna Maria Porter skillfully blends fact and fiction to transport readers to the vibrant and turbulent world of 17th-century Portugal. Against the backdrop of political upheaval and social change, the characters grapple with love, loss, and the quest for power, as alliances shift and loyalties are tested. As the saga reaches its thrilling conclusion in Volume 4, readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the fate of their favorite characters and the destiny of the House of Braganza. From royal courts to battlefields, from palaces to humble cottages, Porter's vivid prose brings the sights and sounds of historical Portugal to life in stunning detail. Follow the Journeys of Compelling Characters At the heart of 'Don Sebastian' are its richly drawn characters, each with their own hopes, dreams, and desires. From the valiant Don Sebastian himself to the spirited Isabella and the enigmatic Duke of Aveiro, Porter's cast of characters leaps off the page, capturing readers' hearts and imaginations with their bravery, passion, and humanity. As the story unfolds, readers will be drawn deeper into the lives and struggles of these characters, rooting for their triumphs and mourning their losses. Whether facing the challenges of war, navigating the treacherous waters of court intrigue, or grappling with matters of the heart, the characters of 'Don Sebastian' will leave an indelible impression on readers long after they've finished the final volume. Why 'Don Sebastian' Is an Unforgettable Read: Historical Authenticity: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of 17th-century Portugal, brought to life with meticulous attention to historical detail and vibrant storytelling. Emotional Depth: Experience the full spectrum of human emotion as you journey alongside characters who face love, loss, betrayal, and redemption in equal measure. Epic Scope: From grand battles to intimate moments of personal drama, 'Don Sebastian' offers readers an epic saga that spans continents and generations, capturing the sweep of history and the intricacies of human experience. Compelling Characters: Lose yourself in the lives and adventures of characters who will capture your heart and imagination, leaving an indelible mark on your memory long after you've turned the final page.Don't miss your chance to complete the epic saga of 'Don Sebastian: Or, The House of the Braganza' with Volume 4 by Anna Maria Porter. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, romance, or epic adventure, this captivating series is sure to transport you to a world of intrigue, passion, and heroism.
‘Sometimes the forces of evil are so dark that no single spell can defeat them.’ Cosy Castle is far from ‘cosy’. In fact, it is a boxy, grey building where children walk on tippy toes from fear of the dreadful ‘dragon’ and the crotchety ‘crone’. With Nivi Mallik’s arrival at Cosy Castle, the rules start to change. The bimbli trees become the hang-out spot for two giggly girls and the driveway is a permanent cricket pitch for the boys. But the happy times are soon ended by the ‘dragon’ and the ‘crone’, who gang up against the children and declare war on the bimbli trees. It will take a miracle to challenge the two wily women, leave alone defeat them. But miracles happen only in fairy tales...Or do they? Is it possible for fantasy-fan Nivi, geeky boy-next-door Venu, bubbly Sarita and their three pint-sized comrades, Nikhil, Vijay and Rehaan, to conquer an evil much beyond their power? Join the six imaginative spellmakers as they use a very practical kind of magic to conjure potent potions, summon unlikely fairies and engineer a haunting... Does Cosy Castle finally become what it’s called? Make your way to Dorabji Street and find out...
A critical reassessment of world-shaping Portuguese voyages of discovery that places these quests in historical context. The lasting impact of historic Portuguese voyages of discovery is unquestionable. The slave trade, the diaspora of the Sephardic Jews, and the intercontinental spread of plants and animals all make clear these voyages’ long-term global significance. Navigations reexamines these Portuguese quests by placing them in their medieval and Renaissance settings. It shows how these voyages grew out of a crusading ethos, as well as long-distance trade with Asia and Africa and developments in map-making and ship design. Malyn Newitt also narrates these voyages of discovery in the framework of Portuguese politics, describing the role of the Portuguese ruling dynasty—including its female members—in the flowering of the Portuguese Renaissance, the creation of the Renaissance state with its distinctive ideology, and in the cultural changes that took place within a wider European context.
On February 20, 1665, the Inquisition of Lisbon arrested Maria de Macedo, the wife of a midlevel official of the Portuguese Treasury, after she revealed during a deposition that, since she was ten years old, an enchanted Moor had frequently "taken" her to a magical castle in the legendary land of wonders known as the Hidden Isle. The island paradise was also the home of Sebastian, the former king of Portugal (1557--1578), who had died in battle in Morocco while on crusade in 1578. His body remained undiscovered, however, and many people in seventeenth-century Portugal -- including Maria -- eagerly awaited his return in glory. In Judging Maria de Macedo, Bryan Givens offers a microhistorical examination of Maria's trial before the Inquisition in Lisbon in 1665--1666, providing an intriguing glimpse into Portuguese culture at the time. Maria's trial record includes a unique piece of evidence: a pamphlet she dictated to her husband fifteen years before her arrest. In the pamphlet, reproduced in its entirety in the book, Maria recounts in considerable detail her "journeys" to the Hidden Isle and her discussions with the people there, King Sebastian in particular. Not all of the components of Maria's vision were messianic in nature or even Christian in origin; her beliefs therefore represent a unique synthesis of disparate cultural elements in play in seventeenth-century Portugal. Because the pamphlet antedates the Inquisition's involvement in Maria's case, it offers a rare example of a non-elite voice preserved without any mediation from an elite institution such as the Inquisition, as is the case with most early modern judicial records. In addition to analyzing Maria de Macedo's vision, Givens also uses the trial record to gain insight into the values, concerns, and motives of the Inquisitors in their judgment of her unusual case. He thus not only examines separately two important subcultures in early modern Portugal, but also analyzes how they interacted with each other. Introducing a unique feminine voice from the early modern period, Judging Maria de Macedo opens a singular window onto seventeenth-century Portuguese culture.
