Canudos: Order and Progress in the Backlands by Nicola S. Costa

A Gripping Tale of Rebellion and Resistance

In the late 19th century, Brazil was a nation in turmoil. The country was grappling with the challenges of modernization and the growing power of the central government, while the vast sertão, or backlands, remained a lawless and untamed region. It was in this setting that the Canudos rebellion erupted, a bloody and protracted conflict that would shake the foundations of the young republic.

A Masterful Blend of History and Storytelling

Nicola S. Costa's Canudos: Order and Progress in the Backlands is a masterful work of historical nonfiction that brings this extraordinary episode to life. Costa draws on a wealth of primary sources, including eyewitness accounts, government documents, and personal letters, to weave a gripping narrative that is both informative and deeply moving.

The Rise of Antônio Conselheiro

At the heart of the Canudos rebellion was Antônio Conselheiro, a charismatic religious leader who gathered a devoted following of thousands of sertanejos, or backwoodsmen. Conselheiro preached a message of social justice and resistance to the encroaching forces of modernity, and his followers were drawn to his vision of a utopian society based on Christian principles.

A Clash of Civilizations

The Canudos rebellion was more than just a religious uprising. It was also a clash of civilizations, pitting the traditional way of life of the sertanejos against the modernizing forces of the Brazilian state. The government, fearing the growing power of Conselheiro and his followers, sent a series of military expeditions to crush the rebellion, but the sertanejos resisted fiercely, and the conflict dragged on for years.

A Tragic End

In the end, the Canudos rebellion was brutally suppressed, and the town of Canudos was destroyed. Thousands of sertanejos were killed, and Conselheiro himself was executed. But the legacy of Canudos lived on, and the rebellion became a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice.

A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Brazilian History

Canudos: Order and Progress in the Backlands is a must-read for anyone interested in Brazilian history, Latin American studies, or the history of social movements. Costa's book is a powerful reminder of the human cost of progress and the enduring power of resistance.

Praise for Canudos: Order and Progress in the Backlands

"A magisterial work of historical scholarship that is also a gripping and moving story of human courage and resilience." —The New York Times

"Costa has written a definitive account of the Canudos rebellion, a complex and fascinating episode in Brazilian history. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand Brazil today." —The Washington Post

"A brilliant and beautifully written book that brings to life one of the most important and overlooked chapters in Latin American history." —The Los Angeles Times