Rubens

1949 · ref. LCK90124 — Rio DE Janeiro: Gráfica Editora Souza. Very Good with no dust jacket. First Edition. Contemporary half calf with marbled boards. Original wrappers bound-in. Ex-libris bookplate of Francis Edwards Ltd. Reference Library. New endpapers. Some pages unopened. Spine and part front cover slightly faded. Slight wear & slight soiling to spine covers & corners.; The "Manual Bibliográfico de Estudos Brasileiros" Bibliographic Handbook of Brazilian Studies edited by Rubens Borba de Moraes and William Berrien stands as one of the most significant bibliographic achievements in Brazilian intellectual history. First published in 1949 by Gráfica Editora Souza in Rio de Janeiro this comprehensive reference work collected approximately 6000 titles spanning multiple disciplines. Moraes widely recognized as the "Nestor of Modern Librarianship in Brazil" collaborated with Berrien a Harvard University professor to produce what would become Brazil's only comprehensive subject bibliography of its kind. Their joint effort resulted in a monumental work that would profoundly influence Brazilian scholarship for generations to come. The manual's innovative structure differentiated it from other bibliographic works of its time through its organization into twelve thematic areas each entrusted to prominent Brazilian and foreign intellectuals. Rather than presenting a simple listing of titles these scholars wrote introductory essays providing context and analysis before presenting the bibliographic listings. They also offered summaries of selected titles significantly enriching the work. The content spans numerous disciplines including art law education ethnology philology folklore history literature general reference works and sociology with some sections containing further subdivisions addressing specialized topics such as colonial history economic and social history and the history of natural sciences and medicine. The caliber of scholars who contributed to the Manual further enhanced its academic significance featuring a distinguished roster that included Pierre Monbeig for Geography Herbert Baldus for Ethnology Sérgio Buarque de Hollanda for Colonial Period Otávio Tarquínio de Sousa for Independence Caio Prado Júnior for Second Reign and Special Subjects Gilberto Freyre for Republic Manuel Bandeira for Poetry José Honório Rodrigues for The Dutch in Brazil Francisco de Assis Barbosa for Novel Tales and Short Stories Astrojildo Pereira for Thinkers Critics and Essayists and Luís Heitor Correia de Azevedo for Music. This collaborative approach brought together the most respected minds across multiple disciplines creating a work of exceptional scholarly depth and breadth. The original 1949 edition of the Manual published as a single volume of 895 pages with paper wrappers quickly became exhausted transforming the work into a "rare species" only found in specialized used bookstores at high prices. Recognizing its enduring importance the Brazilian Federal Senate republished the work in 1998 as two volumes as part of the "Coleção Brasil 500 Anos" Brazil 500 Years Collection making this valuable resource accessible again to students professors professionals and all those interested in understanding Brazilian national reality. Currently original editions from 1949 are considered scarce and sell for $350-420 or £335-384 at specialty booksellers while digital versions of both volumes are available through Brazil's Domínio Público website. The Manual holds a special place in Brazilian bibliographic tradition following earlier significant works such as Diogo Barbosa Machado's "Biblioteca lusitana" 1741-1759 and Inocêncio Francisco da Silva's "Dicionário bibliográfico português" begun in 1858 and completed by Pedro W. De Brito Aranha in 1923 while taking a more modern systematic approach to organizing knowledge about Brazil. Despite being published over seven decades ago it remains a cornerstone reference for Brazilian studies as evidenced by an unsuccessful project in the 1980s to update it. Other important related bibliographical works include Moraes' own "Bibliografia brasileira do período colonial: catálogo comentado das obras dos autores nascidos no Brasil e publicadas antes de 1808" São Paulo 1969 which focused specifically on the colonial period. The Manual Bibliográfico de Estudos Brasileiros stands as an enduring monument to Brazilian scholarship and a testament to collaborative intellectual effort.; 24.8 x 17 x 6 cms; 895 pages . 1949. Gráfica Editora Souza hardcover