João Bautista de Castro
Mappa de Portugal antigo, e moderno, tomo 1 (of 3): Parte I, II
"Mappa de Portugal antigo, e moderno, tomo 1 (of 3): Parte I, II" by João Baptista de Castro is a geographical and historical account written in the 18th century." This work focuses on providing an accurate description of Portugal's geography and history, addressing misconceptions that foreign authors have held about the region. "The beginning of this comprehensive work sets the stage for a detailed exploration of Portugal's geographical features and historical context." It opens with an introduction that underscores the author's intention to create a reliable map that clarifies the true state of Portugal, correcting numerous errors in contemporary geographical literature. Castro discusses the importance of maps in understanding the world, explaining the concepts of latitude and longitude, and outlines the specific geographical positioning of Portugal in relation to surrounding regions. The text indicates that the work will include geographical measurements, historical references, and significant locations in Portugal, offering a rich resource for anyone interested in the country's geography and history.