In the trail of readings: João do Rio's library

Abstract

This research is part of the thematic project "The transatlantic circulation of the printed paper - the globalization of culture in the 19th century" which goal is to study the movement and reception of printed paper and ideas between England, Portugal, France and Brazil, during the 19th century. Specifically, the research aims to examine the intellectual trajectory of Paulo Barreto, best known as João do Rio, through deep study of his library, currently belonging to the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura. At the same time, the investigation includes the consultation of some of the personal writings of the author, exchange of letter and "marginalia'', in which are often found records of reading experiences. One of the focuses of the analysis will incise on theatrical readings, which are to say that the dramaturgy titles read by him and the annotations in the margins of the plays, since his career was closely linked to the theatre. Another focus of the work will fall back on the comparison between the pile in question and the other men of letters of the period, to try to define the specifics of their trajectory, as well as the readings commonly shared by the writers who formed the intellectual field.