Journey to Portugal in pursuit of Portugal's history and culture /

When Jose Saramago decided some twenty years ago to write a book about Portugal, his only desire was that it be unlike any other book on the subject, and in this he certainly has succeeded. Recording the events and observations of a journey across the length and breadth of the country he loves dearl...

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Uniform Title: Viagem a Portugal. English
Main Author: Saramago, José.
Other Authors: Hopkinson, Amanda, 1948-, Caistor, Nick.
Format: Book
Language: English
Portuguese
Published: New York : Harcourt, 2000.
Physical Description: 452 pages : illustrations, maps ; 25 cm.
Edition: 1st U.S. ed.
Subjects:
Online Access: Contributor biographical information
Publisher description
Summary: When Jose Saramago decided some twenty years ago to write a book about Portugal, his only desire was that it be unlike any other book on the subject, and in this he certainly has succeeded. 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 sources of information 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 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 with kings, warriors, painters, explorers, writers, saints, and sinners. Always meticulously attentive to those elements of ancient Portugal that persist today, Saramago examines the country in its current period of rapid transition and growth.
Item Description: Includes index.
From northeast to northwest; the Douro and the Duero -- Lowlands beside the ocean -- Soft-stone beiras, be patient -- From Mondego to Sado, stopping all the while -- Vast and burning lands of Alentejo -- Of the Algarve, sun, dry bread and soft-bread.
When Jose Saramago decided some twenty years ago to write a book about Portugal, his only desire was that it be unlike any other book on the subject, and in this he certainly has succeeded. 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 sources of information 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 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 with kings, warriors, painters, explorers, writers, saints, and sinners. Always meticulously attentive to those elements of ancient Portugal that persist today, Saramago examines the country in its current period of rapid transition and growth.
Physical Description: 452 pages : illustrations, maps ; 25 cm.
ISBN: 0151005877
9780151005871