O Marquez de Pombal (folheto para poucos)

A sharply witty essay pulls the reader into the chaotic world of 18th‑century Portugal, where the figure of the Marquês de Pombal is presented as a paradox of saint‑like reformer and ruthless authoritarian. The author sketches the contradictory reputations that surrounded him—praise from admirers, ridicule from rivals—and uses vivid, almost theatrical descriptions to expose the myths that have glorified him. The tone blends satire with scholarly curiosity, inviting listeners to question the conventional hero narrative.

The pamphlet focuses on a few decisive episodes, especially the disputed September 3 1758 conspiracy that left King João V wounded, and it sifts through contemporary testimonies and public documents to tease out what may be fact and what may be fabrication. By juxtaposing Pombal’s flamboyant public persona with his behind‑the‑scenes political maneuvers, the work reveals the complexities of an era marked by Enlightenment ideas and absolutist power struggles. Listeners will find a provocative, thought‑provoking walk through a turbulent chapter of Portuguese history, told with wit and a critical eye.