conde de Affonso Celso de Assis Figueiredo Affonso Celso

Born in Ouro Preto in 1860, Afonso Celso de Assis Figueiredo Júnior was a Brazilian writer, journalist, lawyer, and politician. He was the son of the Viscount of Ouro Preto, the last prime minister of the Empire of Brazil, and his life stretched across a period of major change in Brazilian history, from the final decades of the monarchy into the republican era.

He wrote across several genres, including essays, memoir, history, and political commentary, but he is best remembered for strongly patriotic books such as Por que me ufano do meu país. His work helped popularize an optimistic, celebratory vision of Brazil, making him a widely recognized voice in public debate and literary culture.

Afonso Celso was also closely tied to major cultural institutions. He became a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and later served as its president, reinforcing his place as an influential figure in Brazilian intellectual life until his death in Rio de Janeiro in 1938.