Best Brazilian History Books of 2025

Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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Brazilian history books offer a fascinating insight into the country's rich and diverse past. From the arrival of Portuguese explorers in the 16th century to the present day, these books cover a wide range of topics, including colonialism, slavery, and political upheaval. Some of the most popular titles include Brazil: A Biography by Lilia Schwarcz and Heloisa Starling, which offers a comprehensive overview of the country's history, and The Slave Ship by Marcus Rediker, which explores the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade. Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in learning more about Brazil, these books are an excellent resource.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1
The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey
ftb score rating icon9.9
#TOP 2
The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Vale-Tudo, to Carlson Gracie, to its Democratization
ftb score rating icon9.8
#TOP 3
The Jakarta Method: Washington's Anticommunist Crusade and the Mass Murder Program that Shaped Our World
ftb score rating icon9.6

Top 10 Brazilian History Books

The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey

Millard, Candice
Broadway Books
Oct 10, 2006
The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey
ftb score rating icon9.9
FTB Score

The River of Doubt by Candice Millard is a thrilling account of Theodore Roosevelt's perilous exploration of an uncharted tributary of the Amazon. Facing starvation, disease, Indian attacks, and a murder within their own ranks, Roosevelt and his team accomplished a feat so great that many refused to believe it. Millard's nonfiction narrative weaves together adventure and biography to create a powerful page-turner. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, adventure, or the enduring spirit of exploration.

The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Vale-Tudo, to Carlson Gracie, to its Democratization

Drysdale, Robert
Apr 11, 2023
The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Vale-Tudo, to Carlson Gracie, to its Democratization
ftb score rating icon9.8
FTB Score

The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Robert Drysdale is a comprehensive account of the history of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The book is divided into four parts, each focusing on a wave of practitioners and how they contributed to the evolution of the art. The author explores the importance of vale-tudo, the family feud between Helio and Carlson Gracie, and the competition-oriented approach to jiu-jitsu open to all that breathed life into the brand of jiu-jitsu that took the world by storm. The book also discusses the struggles and importance of Carlos Gracie Jr. and the IBJJF in giving jiu-jitsu structure and professional credibility. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

The Jakarta Method: Washington's Anticommunist Crusade and the Mass Murder Program that Shaped Our World

Bevins, Vincent
PublicAffairs
Apr 27, 2021
The Jakarta Method: Washington's Anticommunist Crusade and the Mass Murder Program that Shaped Our World
ftb score rating icon9.6
FTB Score

The Jakarta Method by Vincent Bevins is a powerful and comprehensive history book that sheds light on the U.S. government's involvement in the mass murder of innocent civilians in Indonesia, Latin America, and other countries. The author uses recently declassified documents, archival research, and eyewitness testimony to reveal the shocking legacy that spans the globe. The book is well-written, and the author's narrative journalism style makes it a riveting read. The Jakarta Method is an excellent addition to Southeast Asia history books, and it is highly recommended for those interested in understanding the human costs of the Cold War.

River of Darkness: Francisco Orellana and the Deadly First Voyage through the Amazon

Levy, Buddy
Apr 5, 2022
River of Darkness: Francisco Orellana and the Deadly First Voyage through the Amazon
ftb score rating icon9.6
FTB Score

River of Darkness by Buddy Levy is a thrilling account of Francisco Orellana's perilous journey through the Amazon River. Levy weaves together historical facts and newly discovered details to recreate the first European navigation of the world's largest river. The book is a captivating blend of adventure and history, detailing the Amazon's people, their customs, and the dangers faced during the expedition. Levy's writing is engrossing, and the book is a must-read for anyone interested in travel and exploration. Overall, River of Darkness is a riveting account of an extraordinary journey that will leave readers in awe.

#TOP 5

Opening Closed-Guard: The Origins of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil: The Story Behind the Film

Drysdale, Robert
Drysdale, Robert
Sep 26, 2020
Opening Closed-Guard: The Origins of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil: The Story Behind the Film
ftb score rating icon9.4
FTB Score

This book, "Opening Closed-Guard: The Origins of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil: The Story Behind the Film," delves into the history and origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, challenging the popular narrative and exploring the role of Mitsuyo Maeda, Carlos and Hélio Gracie, and the evolution of the art in Brazil. The author provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the documentary "Closed-Guard" and offers their own analysis and interpretation of the history of BJJ and MMA in Brazil. This book is a must-read for any BJJ practitioner interested in the roots of the art.

#TOP 6

Into the Amazon: The Life of Cândido Rondon, Trailblazing Explorer, Scientist, Statesman, and Conservationist

Rohter, Larry
May 30, 2023
Into the Amazon: The Life of Cândido Rondon, Trailblazing Explorer, Scientist, Statesman, and Conservationist
ftb score rating icon9.2
FTB Score

"Into the Amazon: The Life of Cândido Rondon, Trailblazing Explorer, Scientist, Statesman, and Conservationist" is a thrilling and comprehensive biography of the Indigenous Brazilian explorer and conservationist, Cândido Rondon. The book covers Rondon's incredible achievements, including leading Theodore Roosevelt on his journey down the River of Doubt and laying down a 1,200-mile telegraph line through the heart of the Amazon. Larry Rohter's thorough research and eye for detail make for a vivid telling of a remarkable tale. Overall, "Into the Amazon" is an irresistible read that sheds light on a historical figure who deserves much wider recognition outside his native country."

Forgotten Continent: A History of the New Latin America

Reid, Michael
Yale University Press
Nov 14, 2017
Forgotten Continent: A History of the New Latin America
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

A newly updated edition of Michael Reid's best-selling book, Forgotten Continent: A History of the New Latin America, offers a comprehensive view of the social, political, and economic challenges facing Central and South America. Reid's revised account of the region reveals dynamic societies more concerned about corruption and climate change, uncertain relations with the United States, and political cycles turning from left-wing populism to center-right governments. This essential new edition provides important insights into the sweeping changes that have occurred in Latin America in recent years and indicates priorities for the future. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Latin America.

DK Eyewitness Brazil (Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness
DK Eyewitness Travel
Mar 18, 2020
DK Eyewitness Brazil (Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

The DK Eyewitness Brazil (Travel Guide) is a comprehensive guide that offers readers an abundance of information on every corner of Brazil. The guide is packed with hand-drawn illustrations, full-color photography, easy-to-follow walks, tours, and itineraries, insider tips, and information. The book also covers the best spots to eat, drink, shop, and stay in Brazil. The guide is printed on lightweight paper, making it easy to carry around. The DK Eyewitness Brazil (Travel Guide) is a must-have for any traveler who wants to explore Brazil in-depth.

#TOP 9

The Falling Sky: Words of a Yanomami Shaman

Kopenawa, Davi
Albert, Bruce
Elliott, Nicholas
Dundy, Alison
McKibben, Bill
Jan 31, 2023
The Falling Sky: Words of a Yanomami Shaman
ftb score rating icon9.0
FTB Score

The Falling Sky: Words of a Yanomami Shaman is an insightful account of the life and beliefs of Davi Kopenawa, a shaman and spokesman for the Yanomami tribe. The book provides a vivid picture of an indigenous culture living in harmony with the Amazon forest and its creatures, and its devastating encounter with the global mining industry. The author's coming-of-age story intertwined with his first-hand experience of outsiders, including government officials and gold prospectors, is a powerful plea to respect indigenous peoples' rights. The Falling Sky is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the diverse beauty and wonder of existence.

#TOP 10

The Dialectic Is in the Sea: The Black Radical Thought of Beatriz Nascimento

Nascimento, Beatriz
Smith, Christen A.
Gomes, Bethânia N. F.
Davies, Archie
Nov 7, 2023
The Dialectic Is in the Sea: The Black Radical Thought of Beatriz Nascimento
ftb score rating icon8.8
FTB Score

The Dialectic Is in the Sea is a collection of writings by Beatriz Nascimento, an influential Black Brazilian intellectual. Nascimento was a poet, historian, artist, and political leader whose work offers a radical reimagining of gender, space, politics, and spirituality around the Atlantic and across the Black diaspora. The book traces the development of Nascimento’s thought across the decades of her activism and writing, covering topics such as the Black woman, race and Brazilian society, Black freedom, and Black aesthetics and spirituality. The engaging collection includes an essay by Nascimento’s only daughter. The book is a must-read for those interested in Black radical thought and the Black diaspora.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do Brazilians read books?

The average Brazilian reads 1.8 non-academic books a year—less than half the figure in Europe and the United States. In a recent survey of reading habits, Brazilians came 27th out of 30 countries, spending 5.2 hours a week with a book.

2. Who is the greatest Brazilian writer?

A founding figure of Brazilian literature, Machado de Assis is widely regarded as the greatest writer of Brazilian literature. He was the first president of the Brazilian Academy of Letters, the most important non-profit literary society in Brazil. Machado de Assis wrote poetry, short stories, and novels.

3. What book is Brazil based on?

Gilliam has stated that Brazil was inspired by George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four—which he has admitted never having read—but is written from a contemporary perspective rather than looking to the future as Orwell did. In Gilliam's words, his film was "the Nineteen Eighty-Four for 1984."

Editor's Notes

During our brazilian history book research, we found 1,000+ brazilian history book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 13,520 customer reviews through our big data system to write the brazilian history books list. We found that most customers choose brazilian history books with an average price of $17.70.

Written by

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.