author
José Acúrsio das Neves
1766–1834
A magistrate, historian, and pioneering economic thinker, José Acúrsio das Neves wrote vividly about Portugal’s French invasions, trade, industry, and political upheavals. His work reflects a country struggling to preserve its independence while entering the modern age.
3 Audiobooks
Historia geral da invasão dos francezes em Portugal e da restauração deste reino (Volume II)
by José Acúrsio das Neves
Historia geral da invasão dos francezes em Portugal e da restauração deste reino (Volume I)
by José Acúrsio das Neves
Historia geral da invasão dos francezes em Portugal e da restauração deste reino (Volume IV)
by José Acúrsio das Neves
About the author
Born in Cavaleiros de Baixo, near Fajão, on December 14, 1766, José Acúrsio das Neves studied law at the University of Coimbra before beginning a career in the magistracy. He served as a judge and corregedor in Angra, in the Azores, and later held important positions in Lisbon, including membership of the Royal Board of Commerce, Agriculture, Manufactures, and Navigation. He also directed the Royal Silk Factory and the Águas Livres works.
Acúrsio das Neves became one of Portugal’s early and influential writers on political economy, arguing for commercial freedom and the development of national industry. His major works include História Geral da Invasão dos Franceses em Portugal e da Restauração deste Reino and Variedades sobre Objectos Relativos às Artes, Comércio e Manufacturas.
After the liberal revolution of 1820, he adopted a strongly conservative position and became a committed supporter of King Miguel. He left Lisbon in 1833 and died in the region of Arganil on May 6, 1834, shortly before the end of the civil conflict that had shaped his final years.