author
Urbano Loureiro
1845–1880
A sharp, energetic voice in nineteenth-century Portuguese journalism, Urbano Loureiro blended political debate, satire, poetry, fiction, and theatre. His lively writing challenged politicians, writers, and social conventions with wit and relentless spirit.
1 Audiobook
Questão do Palheiro: Coimbrões e Lisboetas
by Urbano Loureiro
About the author
Born in Porto on August 30, 1845, Urbano José de Sousa Loureiro trained in pharmacy at the Porto Medical-Surgical School. Ill health prevented him from pursuing the medical studies he had planned, and he turned instead to journalism and literature. He was the brother of painter Artur José de Sousa Loureiro.
Loureiro became known for his combative political journalism and founded or directed several publications, including Diário da Tarde, A Luta, Bocage, Os Gafanhotos, Os Ortigões, and Tam-Tam. He also wrote chronicles, humorous sketches, criticism, poetry, and fiction, often using satire to comment on politics, literature, theatre, religion, and everyday life.
His works include Perfis Burlescos, Questão do Palheiro, Pataratas, Os Ridículos, and Os Hipócritas — A Infâmia de Frei Quintino. Several of his plays were performed in Porto, including Lua de Mel, Entre Marido e Mulher, and Vítimas e Algozes. He died in São Mamede de Infesta on June 10, 1880.