O Barão do Rio Branco: histórias inacabadas

Abstract

This thesis puraues to investigate the relationship between the works published by José Maria da Silva Paranhos Júnior, baron of Rio Branco, and his life history, guided by the author's intellectual journey throughout the decades from 1860 to 1890. The investigation focuses on analysing the texts published in this period, considering the different means of dissemination, the editions characteristics, the topics addressed and how this content is presented. The examination also extends to the abundant research material gathered by the baron, which is associated with his published work and with that held unpublished. Through all these sources, this research follows aspects of his trajectory, interweaving archive fragments, notes in books and the creation of texts, which range from biographical sketches, historical studies and press papers. The work also contemplates the broad network of intellectual cooperation entwined by the baron over the years of study, highlighting relationships that were built through shared interests, often intertwined with aspects of the political scenario of the time.