The “Elogios”, from João Luso, and the experience of a Portuguese intellectual in Brazil

Abstract

Published in 1916 by the Portuguese writer Armando Erse de Figueiredo, the book of chronicles Elogios can be read as if it was composed with triple intention: to make an informal and praised necrology to a newly deceased person (all the chronicles of the book fall into this category); to history facts and people in a memorialistic tone; and record the proximity of these people with the author, Armando Erse. Emigrated to Brazil on his own, without a family, at the age of 18, about twenty years later Armando Erse launch Elogios. With the publication the author seems to seek, eventually, the recognition of his intellectual activity – when on screen are the deceased illustrious –, or to picture the human being able to cultivate the friendship of so-called “common” people – case of the humble/anonymous deceased.