author
I. F. Silveira da Mota
1836–1907
A 19th-century Portuguese writer, lawyer, and politician, he is best remembered for bringing Portugal’s past to life in clear, vivid historical sketches. His best-known work, Quadros de historia portugueza, reflects both his training in law and his deep interest in public life and national history.
1 Audiobook
Quadros de historia portugueza
by I. F. Silveira da Mota
About the author
Born in Lisbon in 1836, Inácio Francisco Silveira da Mota studied law at the University of Coimbra and completed his degree in 1856. He joined the Association of Lawyers of Lisbon, though he did not remain long in legal practice before turning toward politics and writing.
Silveira da Mota served as a deputy in Portugal’s parliament and was also active as a public administrator. Alongside that career, he wrote historical works aimed at a broad readership. The book most closely associated with him is Quadros de historia portugueza, a lively account of key moments in Portuguese history.
He died in 1907. Today, he is mainly remembered as one of those 19th-century authors who tried to make history readable and engaging for ordinary readers, not just specialists.