Identification and Basic Context
Full Name: Manuel de Faria e Sousa
Date of Birth: March 18, 1590
Place of Birth: Madalena do Pico, Azores, Portugal
Date of Death: June 24, 1647
Place of Death: Madrid, Spain
Nationality: Portuguese
Writing Language(s): Portuguese, Spanish
Historical Context in which he lived: 17th century, period of Filipino rule in Portugal (Iberian Union), and the beginning of the Restoration of Portuguese Independence.
Childhood and Education
Born in the Azores, to a well-to-do family. He received an excellent education, having studied in Coimbra and later in Rome, where he deepened his studies in canon law and theology. This humanistic and legal education would be fundamental to his future career and work.
Literary Career
Faria e Sousa's literary career was multifaceted. Although he is best known as a historian, he also dedicated himself to poetry and literary criticism. His poetic work, written in both Portuguese and Spanish, reflects the trends of the Baroque. He was a keen scholar of Camões' work, dedicating extensive comments and editions to him.
Work, Style, and Literary Characteristics
Faria e Sousa's main works include the "'Épica Poema de João de Castro'" (1645) and "'Lusiadas de Camões, commented by Manuel de Faria e Sousa'" (1639). In his poetry, he explored themes such as love, religion, and history, with a style characteristic of the Baroque, marked by formal complexity, the use of cultisms, and hyperbatons. His historical writing is detailed and erudite.
Work, Style, and Literary Characteristics
Cultural and Historical Context
Faria e Sousa lived through a turbulent period in Portuguese history, marked by the loss of independence to Spain. His work reflects this tension, with a deep patriotism, especially in his defense and exaltation of Camões' work. He was a European intellectual, with contacts in various courts and erudite circles.
Work, Style, and Literary Characteristics
Personal Life
He traveled extensively throughout Europe, serving in embassies and diplomatic functions. He maintained a strong connection with the Spanish court, despite his Portuguese identity. His life was marked by dedication to study and writing.
Work, Style, and Literary Characteristics
Recognition and Reception
During his lifetime, he was recognized for his erudition, especially as a commentator on Camões. His historical work had a considerable impact, although his poetry had a more discreet reception compared to other figures of the Baroque.
Work, Style, and Literary Characteristics
Influences and Legacy
He influenced scholars and admirers of Camões. His legacy lies in the preservation and analysis of Camões' work, as well as in his own historiographical production, which contributed to the knowledge of the history of Portugal and the Azores.
Work, Style, and Literary Characteristics
Interpretation and Critical Analysis
His work has been analyzed from the perspective of the Baroque and his role as a defender of Portuguese identity and culture during a period of foreign rule.
Work, Style, and Literary Characteristics
Curiosities and Lesser-Known Aspects
Faria e Sousa possessed a vast library and was known for his prodigious memory. He spent the last years of his life in Madrid, where he passed away.
Work, Style, and Literary Characteristics
Death and Memory
He died in Madrid in 1647. His works continued to be consulted and edited, keeping alive his memory as one of the great scholars of his time.
