Pelo Vaso Traseiro: Sodomy and Sodomites in Luso-Brazilian History [Paperback]

Harold Johnson (Editor), Francis A. Dutra (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2007

This volume of collected articles is the first to focus exclusively on the history of homosexuality in the Portuguese-speaking world. Of the thirteen studies included, nine make available for the first time in English the work of eminent Luso-Brazilian historians, including no less than three by the preeminent researcher in the field, Professor Luiz Mott of the Federal University of Bahia. Two others analyze in detail the first novels, The Baron of Lavos in Portugal and Bom-Crioulo in Brazil—both written in the 1890s—that portray a homosexual relationship in a frankly realistic way. The collection should serve as essential reading for courses in Portuguese and Brazilian social history.

Product Details

• Paperback: 516 pages
• Publisher: Fenestra Books (February 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587366584
• ISBN-13: 978-1587366581
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,506,702 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very interesting book, April 17, 2007

By 

Valdemar Oliveira (portugal) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pelo Vaso Traseiro: Sodomy and Sodomites in Luso-Brazilian History (Paperback)

This book is an amazing look into the gay life of Portugal and Brazil over a period of almost six centuries. It ranges from "outings" of two Portuguese icons, one a king, to studies of noble homosexuality as well as that of ordinary folk. Brazil is not neglected and Mott and Vainfas's contributions cover that nation well. Notable also is Johnson's "outing" of Prince Henry the Navigator, a masterly piece of historical detective work. The collection also contains unique translations of three superb studies by Luiz Mott, and overall is a really valuable contribution to understanding the gay life in Portuguese speaking countries. Highly recommended to all those interested in the social history of Portugal and Brazil.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars useful glossary and an excellent index in Portuguese and Brazilian history, August 1, 2007

By 

Julien Costa - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Pelo Vaso Traseiro: Sodomy and Sodomites in Luso-Brazilian History (Paperback)

This is the best introduction that one could find to gays and homosexuals in Portuguese and Brazilian history from the 15th century to the 20th. The book examines the lives of a number of them, both at the top layer of society, including one Portuguese king, as well as at the bottom and does so in great detail that never minces words. Much of the information about them comes from Inquisition records since that institution had jurisdiction over what was then known as the "unspeakable sin". The inquisitors did not hesitate to go into minute detail about the acts they were condemning and as a result we are given extensive and valuable information about sexual practices at the time, even including some cases of bestiality. The book has a very useful glossary and an excellent index that make it easy to use. All readers who are interested in homosexuality in history and especially in Portugal and Brazil should find this pioneering book indispensable

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for history courses, February 14, 2007

By 

Diatonic (AZ USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pelo Vaso Traseiro: Sodomy and Sodomites in Luso-Brazilian History (Paperback)

This volume that includes important but never before translated studies by Portuguese and Brazilian scholars should prove essential reading material for all courses in Portuguese and Brazilian history.