Books on Portuguese Monarchy

[Keith]

Could anyone recommend some good books on the Portuguese monarchy and its history? Thank you.

[Elsa M.]

There are a few suggestions in the thread of the regicide:
http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/733413-post32.html
http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/735246-post37.html

You may also take a look at the Royal Library, where's a couple of threads too:
Infantas of Portugal, Queens of Spain
D. Duarte, um Homem de Causas


Anyway, are you looking for books translated to English? If so, I suppose you will only get translations for the more historical/academic kind of books...

[Keith]

Thanks for the information. And, yes, I would need books translated into English. Unfortunately, I do not know Portuguese. I know a little Spanish and I have an on-line translator that can help translate Portuguese into English. But that would be a rather daunting task to use the translator to translate a book. Since, I have an interest in Portuguese history (which started from an interest in Spanish history and a growing appreciation of Fado--I really enjoy Ana Moura's singing) I should try to at least learn a little Portuguese. I should stop. This is probably more reply than you were expecting. Again, thanks.

[Elsa M.]

O.k. then. I'll search for some good history books and I'll post them here later, o.k.?

For an immediate answer, I'm just able to name a some historical fiction that I know is translated into English. The most obvious one, as far as translations are concerned, is the Nobel Prize José Saramago. I'll recommend “Memorial do Convento” (translated as "Baltasar and Blimunda"). It's not a lecture on history (it's pure fiction), but it's placed in the 18th century and starts with king D. João V ordering the construction of the Convento de Mafra...
There's also a novel about Infante Henry the Navigator, by Frank G. Slaughter. I didn't read it myself, but I found some nice reviews:
Amazon.com: THE MAPMAKER A Novel of the Days of Prince Henry,the Navigator: FRANK G. SLAUGHTER: Books


Anyway, I'll post later...

[Keith]

Elsa, thanks again for your efforts. I really appreciate it. Actually, I just got two of Jose Saramago's books, The Double and Journey to Portugal: In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture. They are next on my reading list. His book on the history and culture of Portugal appears to be a good overview of Portuguese culture. But I am more interested in finding books on Portuguese monarchies specifically. I will also look for the other book by Saramago you recommended.

[Elsa M.]

Originally Posted by Keith

Actually, I just got two of Jose Saramago's books [...]His book on the history and culture of Portugal appears to be a good overview of Portuguese culture.

Yeah, that one is a very nice too and it's a great tour, not only from a touristic perspective, but also through the "stories behind the places".

As promised, I'll recommend this book, which provides a general view over our history and culture:

Amazon.com: Portugal: A Companion History (Aspects of Portugal S.): Jose Hermano Saraiva,Ian Robertson,Ursula Fonss: Books



For more specific royal insights, these are very good, especially the first one:

Amazon.com: The Making of a Court Society: Kings and Nobles in Late Medieval Portugal: Rita Costa Gomes,Alison Aiken: Books

Amazon.com: King Dinis of Portugal and the Alfonsine Heritage (American University Studies. Series IX, History, Vol 69): Sheila R. Ackerlind: Books

[Keith]

Elsa,
Thank you for the recommendations. I had seen the last two books you suggested on some other site but there was no review or critique of the books so I wasn't sure how good they would be. And since, these books are a little expensive, I didn't want to purchase them unless they would be worth while.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by Elsa M.

Yeah, that one is a very nice too and it's a great tour, not only from a touristic perspective, but also through the "stories behind the places".

As promised, I'll recommend this book, which provides a general view over our history and culture:

Amazon.com: Portugal: A Companion History (Aspects of Portugal S.): Jose Hermano Saraiva,Ian Robertson,Ursula Fonss: Books

Elsa,
I just finished reading Portugal: A Companion History. I found it very helpful, providing a good, quick overview of the history of Portugal. I had one observation about Portugal's history. It seems that when Portugal experienced instability and turmoil, it was because it was attempting to negotiate its way through the conflicts between Spain, France, England and/or the Dutch, or these powers were attempting to pit Portugal against their enemies. No wonder Portugal had such difficult times.