author
Agostinho Manuel de Vasconcelos
1583–1641
A 17th-century Portuguese writer, historian, and political figure, he is remembered for vivid historical writing shaped by the tensions of his age. His life ended dramatically after he was accused of conspiring against King João IV.
1 Audiobook
Vida de Don Duarte de Meneses, tercero Conde de Viana, y sucessos notables de Portugal en su tiempo
by Agostinho Manuel de Vasconcelos
About the author
Born in Évora in 1584, Agostinho Manuel de Vasconcelos was a Portuguese writer, historian, and politician from a noble family. Sources note that he spent much of his youth in Spain and studied canon law before building a career connected to public life as well as letters.
He is best known for historical writing, especially Vida de Dom Duarte de Meneses, a work that helped preserve the memory of a notable Portuguese nobleman and military leader. His reputation rests on that blend of literary skill and historical interest, which places him among the notable Portuguese prose writers of the 17th century.
His story also has a tragic political ending. After the restoration of Portuguese independence, he was accused of taking part in a conspiracy against King João IV, condemned to death, and executed in Lisbon in 1641.