D. João Carioca - Lilia Moritz Schwarcz

D. João Carioca: A Court in Rio de Janeiro, 1808-1821

By Lilia Moritz Schwarcz

A sweeping history of the Portuguese court's exile in Rio de Janeiro, and its profound impact on Brazil

In 1808, the Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil to escape Napoleon's invasion of Portugal. For the next thirteen years, Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Portuguese Empire, and the city underwent a remarkable transformation.

Lilia Moritz Schwarcz's D. João Carioca is a magisterial history of this extraordinary period. Drawing on a wealth of archival sources, Schwarcz tells the story of the Portuguese court's exile in Brazil, and its profound impact on the country.

A Vivid Portrait of a Thriving City

Schwarcz paints a vivid portrait of Rio de Janeiro during the early 19th century. The city was a bustling hub of activity, with a diverse population of Europeans, Africans, and indigenous peoples. The Portuguese court brought with it a wealth of culture and learning, and Rio de Janeiro quickly became a center of intellectual and artistic activity.

The Birth of a Nation

The Portuguese court's exile in Brazil also had a profound impact on the country's political development. The presence of the royal family helped to legitimize the idea of Brazilian independence, and the city of Rio de Janeiro became a symbol of Brazilian nationalism.

In 1821, King João VI returned to Portugal, but Brazil remained an independent nation. The Portuguese court's exile in Brazil had a lasting impact on the country, and its legacy can still be seen today.

A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Brazilian History

D. João Carioca is a must-read for anyone interested in Brazilian history. Lilia Moritz Schwarcz's magisterial work is a fascinating account of a pivotal period in Brazil's development, and it is sure to captivate readers from beginning to end.

Praise for D. João Carioca

"A brilliant and magisterial work of history. Lilia Moritz Schwarcz has written the definitive account of the Portuguese court's exile in Brazil, and its profound impact on the country." - Stanley J. Stein, Princeton University

"A fascinating and beautifully written book. Schwarcz brings to life the vibrant world of Rio de Janeiro during the early 19th century, and she tells the story of the Portuguese court's exile with great skill and insight." - Mary del Priore, University of São Paulo

"A must-read for anyone interested in Brazilian history. Schwarcz's work is a major contribution to our understanding of this important period." - Jorge Caldeira, Getúlio Vargas Foundation