Gilberto Freyre

Gilberto Freyre was a Brazilian sociologist, cultural anthropologist, historian, writer, and congressman who is best known for his influential book 'Casa-Grande & Senzala' (The Masters and the Slaves), published in 1933. This work is a seminal study of the racial and cultural history of Brazil, and it presents a complex portrait of Brazilian society, highlighting the interplay between colonizers, indigenous peoples, and African slaves. Freyre's ideas contributed significantly to the understanding of Brazil's multicultural identity and the social dynamics within the country.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Masters and the Slaves

    This book is a sociological and anthropological study of 19th century Brazil, focusing on the relationship between the Portuguese colonists and the African slaves. It delves into the racial and cultural synthesis that occurred, resulting in the unique Brazilian identity. The book is known for its controversial assertion that the Portuguese colonizers were more humane and less racist than their North American counterparts, leading to a more harmonious racial integration in Brazil.