Author

Eça de Queirós

1845-1900

Eça de Queirós (1845-1900) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.

Subjects

Books by Eça de Queirós

Os Maias: episodios da vida romantica

"Os Maias: episodios da vida romantica" by Eça de Queirós is a novel published in 1888. The story follows three generations of the wealthy Maia family in nineteenth-century Lisbon. After a tragic past marked by forbidden love and suicide, young Carlos da Maia is raised by his grandfather and becomes a physician. When Carlos falls passionately in love with the beautiful Maria Eduarda, their romance conceals a devastating secret that will shatter the family forever.

Contos

"Contos" by Eça de Queirós is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This compilation illustrates the author's diverse storytelling ability, blending fantasy with critical commentary on society, and focuses on various characters and social themes that reflect the complexities of human relationships. At the start of the work, the narrative introduces the character Macário, a man described in detail as he navigates his mundane life while being drawn into a personal crisis sparked by love. Set against the backdrop of a northern town, Macário reminisces about a woman who captivates him, prompting his introspection and revealing the tension between his desires and the limitations imposed by his social milieu. Eça de Queirós skillfully contrasts the allure of romantic aspirations with the stark realities of life, setting the stage for the unfolding of Macário’s experiences and highlighting the intricate dynamics of love and societal expectations.

Adán y Eva en el paraíso

"Adán y Eva en el paraíso" by Eça de Queirós is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work presents a reimagining of the biblical figures Adam and Eve, exploring themes of creation, humanity, and the first experiences of existence. The narrative delves into the dynamics of their life in the Garden of Eden, touching upon their struggles against nature and the development of human traits and society. At the start of the novel, the text describes the creation of Adam, detailing his emergence from a primeval world shrouded in mystery and awakening to a reality filled with awe and apprehension. The opening emphasizes the chaotic beauty of Eden and Adam's initial confusion and hesitance as he navigates this new world, facing various creatures and phenomena. The portrayal of Adam is both raw and complex, highlighting his primal nature while foreshadowing his evolution into a rational being. The themes of fear, discovery, and the struggle for survival in a vibrant yet perilous paradise lay the groundwork for the deeper explorations of humanity that will unfold throughout the story.

O crime do padre Amaro, scenas da vida devota

"O crime do padre Amaro, scenas da vida devota" by Eça de Queirós is a novel published in 1875. In a provincial Portuguese city steeped in religious devotion and gossip, a young priest without true vocation arrives to take up his post. He lodges with a pious widow and her daughter Amélia, where sacred duties clash with forbidden desires. As debates about faith swirl around them, Amaro and Amélia are drawn into a passionate affair that will test the boundaries of morality and lead to devastating consequences.

O Primo Bazilio: Episodio Domestico

"O Primo Bazilio: Episodio Domestico" by Eça de Queirós is a novel published in 1878. Set in 19th-century Lisbon, it examines the apparently perfect bourgeois marriage of Jorge and Luísa. When Jorge travels for work, Luísa's cousin Basílio returns from abroad, reigniting an old romance. Their affair sets off a chain of events involving blackmail, betrayal, and devastating consequences. The novel critiques the futility and moral corruption beneath the surface of middle-class Portuguese society.

A Cidade e as Serras

"A Cidade e as Serras" by Eça de Queirós is a novel published in 1901. It follows Jacinto de Tormes, a wealthy devotee of urban progress and civilization, who leaves his comfortable life in Paris for the rural mountains of Portugal. Stripped of modern conveniences through mishap, he discovers unexpected fulfillment in the countryside's simplicity. The novel contrasts city sophistication with rural authenticity, ultimately exploring how Portugal's elite might balance technological progress with genuine connection to their land and culture.

A Relíquia

"A Relíquia" by Eça de Queirós is a novel published in 1887. The story follows Teodorico Raposo, a hypocritical young man who pretends to be devout to inherit his wealthy aunt's fortune. He embarks on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where he leads a profane life while planning to bring back a sacred relic. A fateful mix-up exposes his deception before an audience of priests and devout followers, leading to dramatic consequences that force him to confront his own duplicity.

Dragon's teeth : $b A novel from the Portuguese

"Dragon's teeth: A novel from the Portuguese by Eça de Queirós" is a novel written in 1878. In nineteenth-century Lisbon, bored housewife Luiza leads a comfortable but unexciting life with her engineer husband Jorge. When her husband travels for work, her former lover Bazilio returns after years abroad, reigniting their romance. But their affair produces love letters that fall into dangerous hands, setting off a chain of blackmail, betrayal, and devastating consequences that will shatter multiple lives in bourgeois Portuguese society.

A correspondência de Fradique Mendes memórias e notas

"A Correspondência de Fradique Mendes" by Eça de Queirós is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book details the life and experiences of its main character, Carlos Fradique Mendes, a complex figure with a rich and adventurous history, intertwined with themes of poetry, identity, and societal commentary. It captures the essence of literary and cultural movements of its time, reflecting on the search for modernity and emotional expression in the arts. The opening of the novel introduces the narrator’s fascination with Fradique Mendes, beginning with their first meeting in 1880 in Paris and diving into Mendes’s earlier years and his poetic prowess. The narrator reflects on the initial encounter with Mendes's work, particularly a collection of poems titled "Lapidarias," which reveal Mendes's unique approach to poetry, merging contemporary themes with deep historical and emotional layers. As the narrator's admiration grows, he shares Mendes's background, including his privileged lineage from the Azores and extensive travels and artistic endeavors across the globe, hinting at the significant impact Mendes has had on those around him and setting the stage for an exploration of their intellectual and creative friendship.

Cartas de Inglaterra

"Cartas de Inglaterra" by Eça de Queirós is a collection of journalism written between 1874 and 1888. These "Letters from England" offer sharp observations of British society, culture, and imperial affairs during the author's years in the Portuguese consular service. Writing for a Lisbon newspaper, Queirós examines topics from Christmas traditions and children's literature to Britain's conflicts in Afghanistan, Ireland, and Egypt. His cosmopolitan yet critical perspective reveals a fascination with English life tempered by profound skepticism toward British society and empire.

A Illustre Casa de Ramires

"A Ilustre Casa de Ramires" by Eça de Queirós is a realist novel published in 1900. The story follows Gonçalo Mendes Ramires, a nobleman from a small Portuguese town who aspires to enter politics. To gain recognition, he writes a historical novel about his thirteenth-century ancestor, a valiant knight. Yet his literary talents prove questionable, and his moral character equally dubious. Through parallel narratives of past heroism and present mediocrity, Eça crafts a sharp commentary on Portuguese society and tradition.

Prosas barbaras
 com uma introducção por Jayme Batalha Reis.

"Prosas Barbaras" by Eça de Queiroz is a collection of literary writings composed in the mid-19th century. The text reflects on the author’s formative years and the evolution of his unique style, combining personal anecdotes with literary critique. It provides insight into various characters in his life and the influences that shaped his literary voice, such as Romanticism and the works of other notable authors. The opening of the work introduces the context and circumstances surrounding the creation of Eça de Queiroz's early writings, presenting a series of reflections through the eyes of a close friend who recounts their experiences together during the author's formative years. It illustrates the lively artistic environment in which the author thrived, hinting at the struggles and aspirations of a young writer attempting to carve out his identity amidst a rapidly changing literary landscape. The friend describes evenings filled with intense conversation, laughter, and the shared pursuit of literary creation, setting the stage for the deeper explorations and narratives that follow in the collection.

Echos de Pariz

"Echos de Pariz" by Eça de Queirós is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The work provides a critical and often humorous perspective on the social and political life of Paris and London, as well as broader European themes. Through these essays, the author reflects on contemporary issues, the nature of society, and the experience of individuals within these bustling metropolises. The opening of the work establishes a dichotomy between Paris and the rest of the world, emphasizing that contemporary society views these cities as the heart of human experience—rich with culture, art, and social complexities. Eça de Queirós humorously critiques the obsession with these cities, comparing the mundane interactions of everyday life to grand landscapes and monumental architectures. He sets the stage for a discussion of the socio-political landscape in Paris, highlighting recent events, such as the anniversary of the bloody suppression of the Commune, which serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of memory, progress, and the dramatic interplay of humanity within a historical narrative. The author’s incisive wit and critical observations invite readers to engage with both the text’s humor and its deeper commentary on civilization.

O Mandarim

"O Mandarim" by Eça de Queirós is a novella first published in 1880. When a poor Portuguese civil servant receives a visit from the Devil, he's offered an irresistible proposition: ring a bell to inherit vast riches from a distant Chinese mandarin. After succumbing to temptation, Teodoro discovers that fabulous wealth brings unexpected torment. Haunted by his crime, he embarks on a journey to China seeking redemption, only to find that escaping the consequences of avarice may be impossible.

Our Lady of the Pillar

"Our Lady of the Pillar" by Eça de Queirós is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in Segovia during the late 15th century, exploring themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal against the backdrop of Spanish society. The narrative focuses on the tumultuous relationship between Don Ruy de Cardenas, a young knight, and Donna Leonor, the beautiful wife of the wealthy and jealous Lord of Lara. The plot begins with Don Ruy's infatuation with Donna Leonor, who is trapped in a stifling marriage. The jealousy of her husband provokes a complex and dangerous love triangle, ultimately leading to a series of dramatic encounters and deceitful plots. When Don Alonso, the Lord of Lara, discovers Ruy's feelings, he pretends to orchestrate a secret meeting between them while plotting Ruy's demise. Unbeknownst to Ruy, a mysterious hanged man appears as a ghostly protector who aids him in navigating the dangers posed by the Lord of Lara. This supernatural twist heightens the story's tension, culminating in a confrontation that reveals the deadly consequences of love and betrayal. Ultimately, the tale weaves together devotion, divine intervention, and the complexities of human relationships, leading to a conclusion that intertwines themes of redemption and tragedy.

The sweet miracle

"The Sweet Miracle" by Eça de Queirós is a prose-poem written in the early 20th century. This literary work explores themes of faith, hope, and the human condition against the backdrop of the life and miracles of Jesus Christ. It reflects the author's deep connection to both the East and the traditions of Christianity, providing a unique perspective on spiritual longing and divine intervention. The story unfolds in the region of Galilee, where the fame of Jesus as a miracle worker draws the attention of various individuals from different walks of life, including a wealthy man named Obed and a Roman centurion named Publius Septimus. Obed, desperate to save his dying flocks and restore his fortunes, sends his slaves on a quest to find the new Rabbi. Meanwhile, Septimus seeks Jesus to cure his sick daughter. Their search proves futile, echoing the sentiments of a widow and her crippled child who yearn for the same miraculous healing. The narrative builds on the themes of longing and the elusiveness of hope, culminating in a poignant moment when Jesus arrives to fulfill the desires of the sorrowful, illustrating the idea that true miracles often lie in compassionate connections and the alleviation of suffering.

O Mysterio da Estrada de Cintra. Cartas ao Diário de Noticias

"O Mysterio da Estrada de Cintra. Cartas ao Diário de Noticias" by Eça de Queirós et al. is a serialized novel published in 1870. Considered Portugal's first detective story, it unfolds through letters to a Lisbon newspaper describing a mysterious kidnapping and murder. Two friends are abducted near Sintra and discover a corpse in an isolated house. As more correspondents write in—including the kidnappers, suspects, and witnesses—layers of intrigue emerge involving a countess, masked men, and questions of guilt that captivated readers who believed the sensational events were real.

El Mandarín

"El Mandarín" by Eça de Queirós is a novella published in 1880. When Lisbon clerk Teodoro reads about a wealthy Chinese mandarin in an old book, he faces a terrible temptation: ring a bell, and the distant stranger dies—leaving Teodoro his fortune. After succumbing, Teodoro inherits vast wealth but finds himself consumed by guilt. His journey to China seeking redemption leads to unexpected dangers and moral complications that test whether his crime can ever be undone.