The Human Tradition in Modern Brazil continues the non-elite biography approach established in The Human Tradition in Modern Latin America (1997), edited by William H. Beezley and Judith Ewell, and The Human Tradition in Mexico (2003), edited by Jeffrey M. Pilcher. The non-elite biographies in the earlier volumes facilitate comparative analysis of Latin America, and the array of historical scholarship in Beattie's volume enable even more effective regional comparisons. The biographers' epistemological questions will resonate with Brazilian specialists who analyze how social and cultural context helps develop nationhood. By examining what nation meant to Brazilians of diverse social, regional, racial, and cultural descriptions, Beattie, and the biographers have enriched our understanding of Brazilian history and Brazilian national identity.

Carmen Nava, California State University, San Marcos, Luso-Brazilian Review

Enthusiastically recommended. General readers and undergraduates and above.

Choice Reviews

Vividly frames and describes experiences of Brazilians of all regions, races, and genders. . . . The book is a treasure and I strongly recommend it.

Elizabeth A. Kuznesof, University of Kansas

Accessible and engaging. The Human Tradition in Modern Brazil gives readers valuable insight into the workings of Brazilian national identity. Peter Beattie provides a thought-provoking interpretation that encourages students to explore biography as a very useful approach to social and cultural history. Together, the editor and authors have captured a sense of the riveting vitality of Brazilian society and culture in a way that will persuade students at all levels to explore intersections of gender, race, and class in historical context.

Carmen Nava, California State University, San Marcos

Beattie presents an insightful introduction and fifteen short biographies authored by Brazilian and U.S. historians.

Elizabeth Kuznesof, Luso-Brazilian Review