Journey to Portugal
In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture
HarperCollins · Print & ebook · March 6, 2002
The Nobel Prize–winning author explores his homeland in “this monumental work, a literary hybrid” of cultural history, literary nonfiction, and travelogue (Publishers Weekly).
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- Who it’s for
- Follow Saramago across Portugal, where attentive travel meets history, memory, and a changing present.
- Themes
- Portuguese history and culture, Travel through Portugal, Tradition amid change
- Genres
- Spain & Portugal Travel, Portuguese History, Travel Writing
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Start with this bookAbout this book
The Nobel Prize–winning author explores his homeland in “this monumental work, a literary hybrid” of cultural history, literary nonfiction, and travelogue (Publishers Weekly). When José Saramago decided to write a book about Portugal, his only desire was that it be unlike all other books on the subject, and in this he has certainly succeeded.
Continue reading
Recording the events and observations of a journey across the length and breadth of the country he loves dearly, Saramago brings Portugal to life as only a writer of his brilliance can. Forfeiting the usual sources such as tourist guides and road maps, he scours the country with the eyes and ears of an observer fascinated by the ancient myths and history of his people. Whether it be an inaccessible medieval fortress set on a cliff, a wayside chapel thick with cobwebs, or a grand mansion in the city, the extraordinary places of this land come alive. Always meticulously attentive to those elements of ancient Portugal that persist today, he examines the country in its current period of rapid transition and growth. Journey to Portugal is an ode to a country and its rich traditions.
A Country Observed
Follow Saramago across Portugal, where attentive travel meets history, memory, and a changing present.
Come here for
- A literary journey beyond the usual guidebook
- Portugal’s old traditions seen alongside rapid change
Expect
- Observant reflections on places, history, and cultural inheritance
- A portrait shaped by affection for its homeland
Where it sits
| Spain & Portugal Travel | 87% |
|---|---|
| Travel Writing | 62% |
| Portuguese History | 43% |
Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.
Publisher categories
- European Art
- Lives in History
- Military Lives
- Adventurers & Explorers
Show all 8 publisher categories
- Personal Memoirs
- World History
- Medieval History
- Historical Geography
- Authors
- José Saramago
- Publisher
- HarperCollins
- Published
- March 6, 2002
- Format
- Print & ebook
- Theme
- Portuguese history and culture · Travel through Portugal · Tradition amid change
- Reading lane
- European Art